Abstract:
Background: Risky sexual behavior is defined as behaviour leading to sexually
transmitted diseases, abortions and unwanted pregnancies. High exposure of youth to
STIs associated with unsafe sexual practices, such as unprotected sex is an important and
sensitive issue in sexually active age groups.
Objective: To assess magnitude of risky sexual behaviors and associated factors among
Dejazmach Geresu Duki Secondary School Students, Woliso, Ethiopia, 2023.
Methods: school based cross sectional study supplemented by qualitative study was
conducted from May25/5/2023 to May 30/6/2023. A total of 376 Secondary school
students were selected from students of the school.Data were collected by self administered questionnaire. Data were entered using epi info version 7.1 and analyzed
using SPSS version 20. Data analysis was done using descriptive statistics and binary
logistic regression model. 95% confidence intervals (CI) with adjusted odds ratios (AOR)
computed to identify the presence and strength of association. Statistical significance
declared at p-value < 0.05 along with 95% CI of the AOR. Qualitative data were collected
through IDI guided by semi structured questionnaire from which quantitative data was not
taken. It was analyzed by coding and giving theme and subtheme.
Results: A total of 370 secondary school students were participated in this study making
98.4% response rate. The overall magnitude of risky sexual behaviors among students
involved in the study was 36.2% (95%CI: 31.4%, 41.3%). Inconsistanceuse of condom
during sexual inter coarse (AOR=3.2, 95%CI: 1.4, 7.0), watching pornographic film
(AOR=3.9, 95%CI: 1.9, 8.0), had sexual intercourse after friend influence or peer pressure
(AOR=4.0, 95%CI: 1.2, 13.6), having sex after drinking alcohol (AOR=2.7, 95%CI: 1.2,
6.1). The key informants mentioned conditions associated with RSB were Inconsistance use
of condoms, viewing pornography, peer influence, substance use and parental contorol.
Conclusion: The magnitude of risky sexual behaviors in the study area was high. The
factors that were significantly associated with risky sexual behaviors were: never use of
condom , having sex after watching pornography, drinking alcohol and peer influence.
