Factors associated with sexual behaviours among adolescents aged 15-19 in Northern Uganda

Abstract

The globe is fighting against HIV pandemic and sexually transmitted disease which aims at reducing risky sexual behavior. HIV is very common among the adolescents who express their sexual manners in different ways but mostly engaging in sexual activity without any one’s concern hence ending up increasing the sexually transmitted diseases. This study was conducted to assess the factors associated with sexual behaviors among the adolescents aged 15-19 years in Northern Uganda. The study used secondary data from the 2016 Uganda Demographic and Health Survey dataset. A sample of 902 adolescents was interviewed aged 15- 19 years was used. Data was analyzed using STATA package and Pearson’s Chi-square test was used for descriptive data analysis. The level of significance was set at P ≤ 0.05. Findings indicate that wealth status, age, marital status, education and occupation were significantly associated with sexual behavior (ever had sex) and sex, place of residence and religion were not significantly associate with sexual behavior among the adolescents in northern Uganda. There should be collaboration between the government and other stakeholders to economically empower adolescents to prevent their engagement in risky sexual behaviors as well as promote sexual education and also enact strict laws on early marriages.