Correlates of sexual initiation among adolescent and youth in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: a community based cross sectional study

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Objectives: Initiation of sexual intercourse at an early age contributes to vulnerability for unintended pregnancy and HIV/AIDS. In Ethiopia, unmarried, sexually active youth have the highest risk of HIV infection. This study attempted to examine correlates of sexual initiation among unmarried youth in Addis Ababa. Methods: This was a community based cross-sectional study. A multistage cluster sampling method was implemented to identify respondents. A pre-tested, structured questionnaire was used to collect data in a face to face interview. Stepwise multivariable logistic regression was performed to calculate for adjusted odds ratios at 95% confidence interval and a p-value of 0.05 was used to identify variables independently correlated with sexual initiation. Results: Data was collected from 686 unmarried youth, aged 15-2years. Mean age of sexual debut was 17.5, and the proportion of sexual initiation was 49.3%. Using multivariable logistic regression, important correlates of sexual initiation were found, namely low parental monitoring [AOR=1.65, 95% CI(1.08-2.53)], current consumption of alcoholic beverages [AOR=3.8, 95% CI(2.59–5.59)], and perceived peer sexual debut [AOR=1.52, 95% CI(1.03– 2.24)]. Conclusion: Low parental monitoring, alcoholic beverage consumption and peer sexual debut were important correlates of sexual initiation. Youth sexual and reproductive health programs focused on addressing parent-youth monitoring and communication; and risky behaviours can be of paramount importance.