Patterns of risky sexual behavior and associated factors among undergraduates in the coastal region of Kenya

Abstract

BACKGROUND The majority of students in the institutions of higher learning are single, young adults who easily fall prey to exuberance coupled with adequate freedom in campus life that predisposes them to High Risky Sexual Behaviour. Effective response to the challenges of risky sexual behaviour and mitigation of its negative effects on youth relies mainly on accurate information from the extent of the problem among this age group. INTRODUCTION The purpose of this study was to determine the pattern of Risky Sexual Behaviour and the associated factors among first year University students in the Coastal region, Kenya. METHODOLOGY A cross-sectional study involving 473 first year undergraduate students was carried out in two public Universities in the coastal region in Kenya. Data was collected using self-administered questionnaire. RESULTS Majority of the students were within the age of 17-20 years and a mean age of 19.6 (SD+ 1.79 years). More than half of the respondents (59.4%), had once had sex before. Majority of the students, 195(41.2%) had their first sexual intercourse within the age of 15-19 years, while a total of 67(14%) had their sexual debut at the age of 7-14years. Only 32.5% had used condoms consistently in the last twelve months. The male gender was associated with the history of having had sex, early sexual debut, multiple sexual partners, inconsistent use of condoms and having sex under the influence of alcohol. CONCLUSION The respondents were relatively young and had significant Risky sexual behavior exhibited by early sexual debut, multiple sexual partners and low prevalence of condom use. Those in authority need to have a fresh look into the issue of child sexual molestation