Sexual abstinence and associated factors among Myanmar youths: evidence from the Myanmar demographic and health survey 2015–16

Objectives Myanmar's youth's sexual behavior is a strong predictor of public health outcomes, particularly sexually transmitted infections, HIV/AIDS, and unintended pregnancies. Although abstaining from sex is a widely promoted preventive measure, there is little evidence among Myanmar's young people. This study sought to determine the prevalence of sexual abstinence and its associated factors. Methods This retrospective study analyzed data from the 2015–2016 Myanmar Demographic and Health Survey (MDHS) to determine the prevalence of sexual abstinence and associated factors. The sample included 4,573 young people aged 15–24. Descriptive statistics, Univariable and multivariable logistic regression were used, with a significance of p -value < 0.05. Results The findings indicated that 71.2% of Myanmar youths were sexually abstinent. Multiple logistic regression revealed that age 15–19 years (AOR = 0.13), females (AOR = 0.69), current tobacco use (AOR = 0.54), and moderate to high HIV/AIDS awareness level (AOR = 0.75, 0.73) were associated with reduced probabilities of sexual abstinence. Higher education level (AOR = 2.24), employment (AOR = 1.55), higher wealth index (AORs = 1.59–2.73), and access to media (AOR = 1.24) were associated with increased probabilities of sexual abstinence. Conclusion These findings suggest the need for interventions that support school retention, address socioeconomic disadvantage, promote positive media engagement, and integrate substance-use prevention within sexual and reproductive health initiatives aimed at youths in Myanmar.