Does exposure to sexually explicit films predict sexual activity of the in-school youth? Evidence from Addis Ababa high schools

Abstract

Abstract
Background: Sexually explicit media are textual, visual, or aural materials that depict sexual behaviors, acts or that expose the reproductive organs of the human body through movies, internet etc. Nowadays, exposure of urban youth particularly to visual media of such content is argued to be a factor leading to early and risky sexual behavior.
Objective: To assess magnitude of exposure to sexually explicit films and the role of the exposure and other factors as predictors of in-school youth sexual activity.
Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 810 randomly selected students drawn from 18 Addis Ababa high schools. A structured and semi-structured pre-tested, self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data on socio-demographic, behavioural factors and data related to exposure to sexually explicit films from March 11 to 15, 2008.
Results: More than two-thirds (69.5%) of the participants have watched sexually explicit films at least once. Watching such films often was the major predictor of sexual activity among in-school youth with AOR 7.97 (95%C.I. =3.19-19.86). Students from public school and those who consume alcohol were more than two times likely to be sexually active while likelihood increased 3 and 4 times among those who chew Khat frequently and those who ever have a boy/girl friend respectively. However, students who live with their parents and close relatives were less likely to be sexually active.
Conclusion: Frequent exposure to sexually explicit films, alcohol, and Khat consumption, were modifiable factors linked with sexual activity of the in-school youth. Developing criticizing skill of students on sexually explicit films and encouraging parental guidance to decrease exposure to such films were some of the recommendations forwarded. [Ethiop. J. Health Dev. 2009;23(3):183-189]