HIV Risk Factors among Zambian Female Youth: Structural Equation Modelling Analysis Using the 2018 Demographic and Health Survey Data

Ololade Julius Baruwa, University of Cape Town
Martina Mchenga, University of Cape Town

HIV/AIDS remains a significant public health challenge in sub-Saharan Africa, particularly among young people. In Zambia, the high HIV prevalence among adolescents and young adults necessitates a deeper understanding of the risk factors contributing to this epidemic. This study analysed data from the 2018 Zambia Demographic and Health Survey (ZDHS) using structural equation modelling (SEM) to explore the factors associated with HIV risk behaviours among young people aged 15-24. The focus was on how various sociodemographic factors correlate with HIV-related risks such as age-disparate partnerships, inconsistent condom use, multiple sexual partnerships, child marriage, early sexual debut, and adolescent pregnancy. The analysis identified that adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) aged 20-24 face significantly increased HIV-related risks compared to 15-19 AGYW. Education served as a protective factor, with higher levels of education associated with reduced odds of HIV-related risks. In contrast, socioeconomic and environmental factors, such as poverty and rural residence, were linked to increased HIV-related risks. Additionally, religious affiliation and inequitable gender attitudes further influenced the likelihood of HIV-related risks. The findings underscore the importance of targeted interventions that address educational disparities, socioeconomic challenges, and gender attitudes to reduce HIV risk among AGYW in Zambia.

Keywords: Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights, Children, Adolescents, and Youth, Structural equation modelling

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