Risky Sexual Behavior and Associated Factor among Arsi University Students, South East Ethiopia

Abstract

 Background: Unsafe sex is the second leading cause of global burden of diseases. In Sub-Saharan Africa the figures are higher, which were 45%-52% for both sexes. In Ethiopia, 29% of women had first sexual intercourse before age 15 years old and 62% of women before age 18 years old. Therefore, the aim of this study was to find the magnitude of risky sexual behavior and associated factors among students in Arsi University, Asella, Ethiopia.
Methods: A cross-sectional study design was conducted among 457 undergraduate students of Arsi University at August 15, 2019. Stratified random sampling technique and self-administered questionnaire were used. Data was entered and cleaned by using Epi Info version 7 and exported to and analyzed by using SPSS version 21. Descriptive statistics, binary and multiple logistic regressions were used. A P-value of ≤0.05 and 95% confidence level were considered to indicate level of statistical significance.
Result: The mean age of sexual initiation for both sexes was 18.71 years with (±) standard deviation of 1.7 years. The proportion of risky sexual behavior among the study participant was 63.1%. Place of origin (AOR 1.701 (95% CI 1.024, 2.827), being single (AOR 2.380 (95% CI 1.354, 4.185) and using shisha, hashish and cocaine (AOR 2.074 (95% CI 1.053, 4.085) were the main factors associated with risky sexual behavior among study participants.
Conclusions: The magnitude of risky sexual behavior among study participant was higher. Awareness creation among students from urban origin, students who are single and students who have used shisha, hashish and cocaine needs
special attention by the University.