Factors that contribute to early sexual debut among adolescent girls aged 14-24

Abstract

The study aimed at finding out factors that contribute to early sexual debut among adolescent girls aged 14-24. Specifically, the study looked at individual factors, socio-economic factors and exposure factors associated with adolescent girls’ sexual debut. The study was conducted in Bwaise slums, Kawempe division. The study employed a descriptive survey design using qualitative approach and data was collected from sample of 15 respondents who were selected using probability rando sampling technique. The study found that individual factors such as age, literary level, curiosity to try new things greatly influences adolescent sexual debut negatively however the study also found that socio-economic factors such as poverty also determines adolescent age at sexual debut. The study also found that exposure factors such as peer influence, exposure to mass media as night clubs, drinking places determines the age at sexual debut of adolescent girls.