Predictors of HIV-Related Risky Sexual Behaviors among High School Students: Socioecological Perspective

AbstractAn increase in risky sexual behaviors among high school students in Ethiopia has led to an increase in risk for contracting human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) among this population. A knowledge gap exists regarding the predictors of HIV-related risky sexual behaviors among high school students in the predominantly rural and underserved area of southern Ethiopia. The socioecological model was the theoretical framework for this research. A quantitative cross-sectional design was employed to examine the association between a set of independent variables, including personal, parental, religious factors, and risky sexual behaviors among a sample of high school students. Primary data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire from 374 participants using a stratified random sampling technique. Descriptive statistics, bivariate, and multivariate logistic regressions were computed using SPSS Version 25. The prevalence of risky sexual behavior among the school adolescents was 30.04/1,000 population. The associations between HIV comprehensive knowledge and place of residence and risky sexual behavior were not statistically significant. A statistically significant association was found between condom use self-efficacy and risky sexual behavior, P = 0.048, OR =2.23, 95% CI [1.007, 4.925] when the covariates were held constant. After controlling for covariates, maternal monitoring (P = 0.027, OR = 2.84, 95% CI [1.011, 8.004]) and frequent participation in religious activities (P = 0.03, OR = 0.240, 95% CI [0.094, 0.612]) significantly predicted lower odds of risky sexual behavior. The research findings could lead decision makers to address the determinants of risky sexual behaviors to address increasing HIV infections, which could lead to positive social change in the study area

Condom Use Self-Efficacy Score and Risky Sexual Behavior among High School Students in Southern Ethiopia

There is emerging evidence of a rise in new human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections in Ethiopia. This may partly be explained by an increase in risky sexual behaviors among high school adolescents. The current study was conducted to explore the association between a set of predictor variables (comprehensive HIV knowledge and condom use self-efficacy score) and an outcome variable of risky sexual behavior among high school adolescents in the Angacha District of Southern Ethiopia. The study employed a quantitative cross-sectional design to answer the research question. Primary data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire from 374 participants using a stratified random sampling technique. Descriptive statistics and bivariate and multivariate logistic regressions were computed using SPSS Version 25. The prevalence of risky sexual behavior among school adolescents was 30.04/per 1000. The Cronbach’s Alpha for condom use self-efficacy score (CUSES) was 0.79. The association between HIV comprehensive knowledge and risky sexual behavior was not statistically significant. A statistically significant association was found between CUSES and the risky sexual behavior of the student, P = 0.048, OR =2.23, 95% CI [1.007, 4.925] when the covariates were held constant. The mean CUSES for males (M = 3.44) was significantly higher than females (M = 3.22), U = 14523.5, P = 0.025, η2 = 0.016). Policy decisions to revitalize school-based adolescent sexual health promotion to empower adolescents with life skills are needed to sustain the gains of HIV/AIDS control and enhance social change in the country