Gebremariam, Mulugeta Betre (MD, MPH)Dugassa, Worku2022-04-282023-11-052022-04-282023-11-052011-01http://etd.aau.edu.et/handle/123456789/31538Back ground: Knowledge of sexual behaviors among youth age 15-24 years is of particular interest because the period between sexual initiation and marriage is for many young people a time of sexual experimentation that may involve high-risk behaviors. Research is urgently needed to disaggregate data to the district level in order to identify hot spots and communities at higher risk and to update information. Objective: To assess sexual risk behavior and condom use patterns among TVET college students in West Arsi zone, Oromia Region. Methods: A cross sectional survey was carried out at three TVET colleges (Shashemene, Arsi Negelle and Dodola) from October 2010 to May 2011. To collect data, a pre-tested selfadministered questionnaire was used. To complement the findings, a qualitative study (FGD) was also conducted. The association of independent variables with dependent variable was computed using logistic regression analysis at 0.05 level of significance and odds ratio with 95% CI. Results: Out of the 685 students, 318(46.40%) were found to have had sexual experience. The mean age of sexual debut among those who were sexually active was 16.02±1.73 for both sexes and the commonest reasons for starting sex were personal desire 215(67.61%) and peer pressure78 (24.52%). Among those who had had sex during the previous 12 months, 19.5% (22.83% of males and 14.93% of females) reported having had sex with more than one partner and commercial sex was reported by 29(9.10%). Consistent use of condoms during the preceding 12 months was reported by only 25.40% of respondents. Chewing Khat (AOR [95% CI] = 3.21 [1.83, 5.56]) and drinking alcohol (AOR [95% CI] = 2.04 [1.07, 3.78]) were associated with ever had sex. Conclusion and Recommendations From this study, it is possible to conclude that premarital sex, multiple sexual partners, sex with commercial partners, and inconsistent use of condom were the identified risky sexual behaviors by TVET college students. Substance use mainly khat and alcohol significantly insisted students to risky sexual behavior. The risky sexual behaviors observed in the TVET college need the close attention of TVET college’s anti HIV/AIDS club, TVET college itself and the regional health office. VIen-USSexual behavior,Condom use,StudentsThesis