Prevalence and Predictors of High-Risk Sexual Behaviour among Adolescents and Young Women Age 15-24 in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Elizabeth Nyirenda, University Of Zambia
Love Ayamolowo, Obafemi Awolowo University
Anthony Agbeve, University of Cape Coast
Severin Tamwo, Université de Yaoundé II Soa
Andrew Kasambala, University of Dar es Salaam

High-risk sexual behaviors, including early sexual debut, multiple sexual partners, and inconsistent condom use, significantly increase the vulnerability of adolescent girls and young women to HIV/AIDS, especially in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Globally, 4000 adolescent girls and young women were infected with HIV every week in 2022. Of these, 3100 infections were in SSA. Thus, adolescent and young women especially in SSA appear to have been left behind in HIV response. This study investigated the prevalence and predictors of high-risk sexual behavior among adolescent girls and young women. We fit logistic regression models using the most recent Demographic and Health survey data to examine the predictors of condom use during sex with a non-marital and non-cohabiting partner in SSA. The study found that condom use during sex with a non-marital or non-cohabiting partner was low. Women with comprehensive correct knowledge of HIV, middle and rich wealth quintile, nulliparous and contraceptive users had lower odds of condom non-use during sex with non-marital or non-cohabiting partner. Special attention should be given to adolescent girls to increase knowledge about HIV/AIDS, prevent early onset of childbearing, address economic vulnerabilities and promote use of condoms to reduce high-risk sexual behaviour, prevent HIV infection and unintended pregnancy.

Keywords: Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights, Children, Adolescents, and Youth

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