Prevalence of risky sexual behaviour and its associated factors among youths of Pokhara metropolitan city, Nepal: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

Introduction Risky sexual behaviour, which puts young people at greater risk of acquiring HIV AIDS and sexually transmitted infection, is a significant public health concern all around the world. In 2020, 15% of ever reported HIV positive cases were youths in Nepal. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of risky sexual behaviour and its associated factors among youths of Pokhara metropolitan city.Methodology A cross-sectional study was done. The study population was youths aged 15–24 who were currently studying in grades 11/12 or at the bachelor level. The sample size was 850, interviewed in two strata (male and female). A multistage cluster sampling technique was used. A self-administered, structured questionnaire was used to obtain information. Bivariate (χ2 test) and multivariate (logistic regression) analyses were performed to assess the statistically significant relationship between the dependent and independent variables.Results Overall, nearly a third (31%) respondents ever had sexual intercourse. Similarly, the overall prevalence of risky sexual behaviour was 18.6% (95% CI=16% to 21.2%), while the prevalence among sexually active respondents was 60% (95% CI=53.7% to 65.5%). The prevalence varied greatly among two sexes where 72% male and 31% female were involved in risky sexual behaviour. The logistic regression analysis showed that females were 72% (AOR=0.28, 95% CI=0.12 to 0.69) less likely than males and youths aged 20–24 were 72% (AOR=0.28, 95% CI=0.13 to 0.57) less likely than adolescents aged 15–19 to engage in risky sexual behaviour. Similarly, in regard to caste, Janajatis were almost six times (AOR=5.56, 95% CI=2.47 to 12.5) and Dalits/Madhesi/others were almost two times more likely to involve in risky sexual behaviour than Brahmin/Chhetri.Conclusion This study shows a significantly higher prevalence of risky sexual behaviour among adolescents, males and Janajatis than their counterparts. Hence, youths should be educated and empowered to practice safe sexual behaviour through appropriate educational and behaviour change interventions with a special focus on adolescents, males and Janajatis.