Premarital Sexual Practice among School Adolescents in Nekemte Town, East Wollega

Abstract

Abstract
Background: Sexual activities among adolescents have been reported to be increasing worldwide. Several studies in
Sub-Saharan Africa have also documented increasing premarital sexual activities among adolescents.
Objective: The objective of the study was to assess prevalence of premarital sexual practice and factors contributing
to this practices among high school adolescents in Nekemte Town.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Nekemte town of Oromia Regional State between February and
March 2006.
Results: Three hundred sixty four (53.8%) male and 312 (46.2%) female high school adolescents participated in the
study. About one-fifth (21.5%) of the participants had had premarital sexual intercourse at the time of the survey, of
which 102 (70.3%) were males. While being male [AOR=2.11 (1.27, 3.51)], a ninth grade student [AOR=1.77 (1.05,
2.99)] and ever having a sexual partner [AOR=22.3 (13.1, 37.9)] were found to have significant positive association
with premarital sexual practices, being less than 18 years was found to be protective against the practice [AOR=0.44
(0.26, 0.73)].
Conclusion: A considerable amount of school adolescents had started pre marital sexual activity that might predispose
them to different sexual and reproductive health problems. Strengthening age and gender segregated IEC/BCC
services on sexual and reproductive health in general and premarital sexual practices and its consequences in particular
in school environments needs serious attention. [Ethiop.J.Health Dev. 2008;22(2):167-173]