Does social connectedness influence risky sexual behaviours? finding from Ethiopian youths

Abstract

Background: Various studies on risk sexual behaviours focus on personal factors. However, the influence of essential social factors needs a profound concern. Methods: An institutional based cross-sectional study triangulated with qualitative data was conducted at North Shewa Zone, from February to March 2016. Six hundred and thirty-five students were selected using a multi-stage sampling method. Self-administered questionnaire and focus group discussion guide were used for data collection. Result: Of 628 students, 115 (18.3%) of them reported risky sexual behaviour. Social connectedness was inversely correlated with having risky sexual behaviour. Substance user students had four times, risky sexual behaviours than non users (AOR = 4, 95%CI (1.54–10.3)). Risky sexual behaviour was associated with family connectedness (AOR = .39, 95%CI (.303–.51)), religion connectedness (AOR = .23, 95%CI (.169–.31)) and school connectedness (AOR = .39, 95%CI (00.297–.52)). Conclusion: Grade level, substance use, religious, family and school connectedness were major predictors of risky sexual behaviour.

Keywords

• Social-connectedness
• risky sexual behaviour
• youths
• Ethiopia