Premarital Sex in the Last Twelve Months and Its Predictors among Students of Wollega University, Ethiopia

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Premarital sex increases the risk of unintended pregnancy and sexually transmittedinfections including HIV if unprotected and contraception is not used. Thus, the objective of this studywas to assess premarital sex in the last twelve months and its predictors among regular undergraduatestudents of Wollega University.METHODS: A cross-sectional survey using pretested, structured questionnaire was conducted on a totalof 704 regular undergraduate students of Wollega University from February to March, 2014. We usedmultistage sampling technique to recruit study participants. Binary and multivariable logistic regressionswere performed using SPSS version 20 to assess predictors of premarital sex. Statistical significance wasdetermined through a 95% confidence level.RESULTS: Wollega University youths who had premarital sex in the last twelve months were 28.4%;55.5% of them did not use condom during last sex while 31.3% engaged in multiple sex. Being male[Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR)(95% Confidence Interval(CI))=2.7(1.58-4.75)], age 20-24 years[AOR(95%CI)=2.8(1.13-7.20)], training on how to use condom [AOR(95%CI)=1.7(1.17-2.46)], beingtested for HIV [AOR(95%CI)=2.3(1.48-3.53)], using social media frequently [AOR(95%CI)=1.8(1.14-2.88)], having comprehensive knowledge of HIV [AOR(95% CI)=1.5(1.01-2.10)], alcohol use [AOR(95%CI)=2.2(1.31-3.56)] were associated with increased odds of premarital sex in the last twelve months.CONCLUSION: Nearly one-third of regular undergraduate students of the university were engaged inpremarital sex in the last twelve months. Being male, using social media frequently and alcohol use wereassociated with increased odds of premarital sex in the stated period. Thus, higher institutions have todeliver abstinence messages alongside information about self-protection.