Cross-generational Sexual Relationship among Preparatory School Female Students in Addis Ababa

Abstract

Background: The disparity in HIV infection levels between men and women especially in adolescent age groups where many more girls are infected than young males is a particular theme of growing concern in adolescents’ sexual behavior in Sub Saharan Africa. Cross-generational sexual relationships between older men and adolescent girls are likely explanation for this difference. Thus, information is needed to determine the magnitude & dynamics of cross-generational sexual relationship and whether there is unsafe sexual practice related to it. Objective & Methods: In an attempt to elicit information needed to determine the magnitude & dynamics of cross generational sexual relationships, a cross sectional descriptive study with element of internal comparison that examined age-gaps in sexual relationship of female students was conducted in preparatory schools of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia between March and April 2009. A multistage random sampling technique was employed to select a sample of 1296 female students. The data was collected using pre-tested & structured anonymous questionnaire and analyzed using SPSS statistical software and P-Value < 0.05 was taken as statistically significance. The study was also supplemented by qualitative information obtained from four Focus Group Discussions (FGD) involving 8 to 10 female students. Results: Of the calculated 1296 sample of female students, a total of 1276 study subjects completed the questionnaires making an overall response rate of 98.5%. The study revealed 27.7% sexual activity; out of which 19.4% [95% CI= (15.3%, 23.5%)] reported to have been engaged in cross-generational sex. Financial & material benefit and having fun & enjoyment were found to be the major motivations to engage in crossgenerational sex. Perceived family economic status of poor [OR=9.9; 95%CI= (3.79, 26.05)] & Family’s inability to fulfill basic needs [OR=6.53; 95%CI= (2.26, 18.87)], were found to have statistically significant association with cross-generational sex. Participation in school club and religious activity ([OR=0.20; 95%CI= (0.08, 0.49)] and [OR=0.06; 95%CI= (0.02, 0.17)]) respectively were found to have significant but negative association with cross-generational sex. Openness of discussion on sexuality with family was also significant. Unsafe sexual practice and sexual coercion were significantly associated with cross-generational sex (P < 0.05 for both). Conclusion & Recommendations: In general, the study revealed that cross-generational sexual relationship is common and is associated with unsafe sexual practice which indicates an increased risk of HIV & STI among school girls than boys. Family-child communication on sexuality, encouragement of participation of youth in school clubs & religious activity during leisure hours, economic support for poor schoolgirls and their family and further research were recommended based on the study findings.