PRE-MARITAL SEXUAL PRACTICE AND CONTRIBUTING FACTORS AMONG FEMALE STUDENTS OF HAWASSA UNIVERISITY (MAIN CAMPUS

Abstract

Background: Students of higher institutions that fall in youth bracket are liable to many SRH problems like other youth. These problems include gender-based violence, sexual coercion, STD’s including HIV/AIDS, unwanted pregnancy and abortion. But studies focusing on SRH condition of youth in higher learning institutions are very limited. Objectives: The objective of the study was to determine the prevalence of pre-marital sexual practice and contributing factors for this practice among female students of Hawassa University. Method: A cross-sectional quantitative study was conducted from May 1-21, 2009. A self administered questionnaire was used to assess the prevalence and contributing factors of premarital sexual practice among female students of Hawassa University. Results: Of 537 respondents, 230 (42.8%) reported that they had boy-friend. Almost all, 509(94.8%) of respondents were single, 20(3.7%) reported that they had casual sexual partner at their stay in the university. The prevalence of premarital sexual practice among unmarried students was 30.8% with mean age at first sex of 18.52±1.53.Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that those having no boy-friend reported to have greater chance of exposure to premarital sexual practice as compared to females with a boy-friend [COR=8.841(5.747, 13.600) and AOR=8.462(5.341, 13.408)]. Being in age group 20-29[COR=0.382(0.256, 0.570) and AOR=0.377(0.226, 0.468)] and living with families [COR=1.029(0.508, 0.724) and AOR=0.080(0.014, 0.454)] were found to be a protective factor for premarital sexual activity. Conclusion and recommendations: The study revealed that the prevalence of pre-marital sexual practice among female students of Hawassa University was high. It was also observed many students started sex while they are in the campus. It was found that having boy-friend, age and living condition of students were predictors of premarital sexual practice. It is recommended to establish or strengthen youth friendly sexual and reproductive health services in the university