Assessment of Exposure to Sexually Explicit Materials and Other Factors as Predictors of Sexual Activity among in School Youth in Addis Ababa

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Date

2008-06

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Addis Abeba Universty

Abstract

Background: Sexually explicit media (SEM) are textual, visual, or aural materials that depict sexual acts or expose the reproductive organs of the human body. These erotic and pornographic materials usually portray sex in a risk free manner. Exposure of urban youth to such media is argued to contribute for adoption of risky sexual behavior. Objective: This study aimed to assess magnitude of exposure to SEM and factors contributing to exposure among in-school youth as well as describe sexual behavior and the role of exposure and other factors as predictors of in-school youth sexual activity. Methodology: A cross-sectional descriptive study involving 810 randomly selected students among 18 Addis Ababa high schools was conducted in March 2008. Pre-tested questionnaire was used to collect quantitative data, which was entered and cleaned using EPI INFO 2000 version 3.3 and analyzed using SPSS version 13.0 statistical packages. Odds Ratio with 95% Confidence Interval was used and multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to assess association among variables. Tape-recorded qualitative data, from four FGDs were transcribed and analyzed into predetermined themes. Results: Magnitude of ever-exposure to sexually explicit texts and watching movies were 65.3% and 69.5% respectively. The odds of frequent exposure to SE movies increased with being male, consuming alcohol and Khat, having positive attitude towards SEM, and sexual experience while the later two and school type affected frequency of reading SE texts. Nearly eighteen percent of the participants were sexually active. Likelihood of vii being sexually active grew with frequent reading of SE texts with AOR of 3.69 (95%C.I. =1.17, 11.63), frequent viewing of SE movies, AOR 7.68 (95%C.I. =2.74, 21.57), alcohol drinking, AOR 3.77 (95%C.I. =1.54, 9.21), Khat chewing AOR 4.10 (95%C.I. =1.36, 12.32), and ever having a boy or girl friend AOR 3.43, (95%C.I. =1.65, 7.12). Probability of sexual engagement decreased among those who live with their parents AOR 0.20(95%C.I. =0.04, 0.88). Recalled attendance of school sex education by 56.5% showed no significant association. Inconsistent condom use by 60.9% and having multiple sexual partners by 57% of the sexually active youth were also reported. Conclusion and recommendation: A strong link was revealed between frequent exposure to sexually explicit materials, alcohol and Khat consumption, and sexual activity of the in-school youth. Large proportions of sexually active youth are also engaged in risk sexual behavior. Considering these, developing media criticizing skill of students, decreasing accessibility to SEM through legal measures, promotion of peer and school sex education and encouraging parental guidance were some of the recommendations forwarded.

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Assessment of Exposure to Sexually Explicit Materials

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