Assessment of Current Sexual Activity and Risky Sexual Behavior for HIV/AIDS Infection among Butajira High School Students, Gurage Zone, SNNPR, Ethiopia
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Date
2010-06
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
Background: Acquired Immuno Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) has become the current
major public health problem in the developed and developing countries. The epidemic is
one of the greatest challenges ever to Global well-being. Adolescents/Youths’ are among
the highly affected segments of the population and their sexual behavior threatens the
physical, psychological and social health of this group. Despite the level of knowledge
considerable proportions of youth are at risk of HIV infection. Hence, assessment of sexual
behavior among this vulnerable group is essential.
Objectives: To assess the current sexual activity and risky sexual behavior for HIV infection
among high school adolescents.
Methods: A cross- Sectional descriptive survey was carried out among high school students
in Butajira town, Meskan woreda, Gurage Zone. Data was collected by pre- tested self
administered questionnaire. To complement the findings, a qualitative study was also
conducted.
Result: A total of 422 adolecents with a response rate of 96% for the quantitative and 36
discussants for the qualitative part participated in the study. Almost close to one third
(29.13%) of he students was found to be currently sexually active. Among the currently
sexually active respondents, 36.44% and 10.0% admitted practicing sex with multiple
sexual partners and commercial sex workers respectively. Making sexual intercourse was
positively associated with sex (being male) (AOR (95% CI) = 2.68(1.49, 4.80)), pocket
money (AOR (95% CI) = 2.30(1.02, 5.16)) and family income of greater than 500birr per
month (AOR (95% CI) = 0.57(0.35, 0.95)). Whereas practicing sex with multiple partner
was associated with alcohol drinking [AOR (95% CI) = 0.20(0.05, 0.73)], and chewing
khat 4.00(1.38, 11.53)].
Conclusion and recommendation: Considerable proportion of school adolescents
engage in risky sexual behavior. The finding also indicates that although they are
knowledgeable about HIV/AIDS, many do not practice what they know. Therefore,
urgent health education program that aimed at bringing behavioral change of adolecents
should be planned and implemented
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Keywords
Acquired Immuno Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS)