RISKY SEXUAL BEHAVIOR AMONG ADOLESCENT STUDENTS IN NORTH GONDAR, ETHIOPIA

Abstract

Introduction: The main purpose of this study was to assess risky sexual behaviors among adolescent students in some selected secondary and preparatory schools in North Gondar.

 

Methods:  Four hundred seventy four adolescent students were selected from four high Schools through simple random sampling technique. Data were collected using questionnaire.  Quantitative analyses were used to analyze the obtained data.

 

Results: The results revealed that some students (23percent) have ever had sexual intercourse experiences.  The average age at the onset of sex was found to be 18. Peer group pressure was the main motivating forces that made students to engage in sexual activities followed by self initiation and pornographic films.  Some students admitted that they had multiple sexual partners which would increase sexual and reproductive heath problems. Only few students reported that they always used condom during sexual intercourses with their regular partners. Nevertheless, more than half of adolescent students always used birth control methods when having sex with their regular partner. It was also found that some students had been engaged in casual sex which may lead to risk of sexual and reproductive health problems. The most worrisome finding is that there were some students who have ever had paid sex with prostitutes and not all of them always used condoms. In addition, some students had sex after heavy alcohol drinking and most of them never or inconsistently used condoms. Moreover, some female students had experienced unplanned pregnancy and almost all committed abortion as a solution to it.

 

Conclusion- Therefore, Educators, Psychologists and Health professionals should help adolescents to practice safe sex through providing information and skill building in order to advance knowledge and skill of correct and consistent use of condom and birth control methods. And sex education shall be part of the curriculum. The present study examined only risky sexual behavior of adolescent students and thereby broader and detail investigation should be conducted.

 

Key Words: Risky, Sexual Behavior, Adolescents, Students, High School.