Factors influencing safe sex negotiation among female adolescents in Uganda

Abstract

Background: Safer sex strategies represent a principle objective of global HIV prevention interventions that address sexual transmission of HIV. Adolescents’ ability to negotiate the conditions and timing of sex with their partners is key to the control of several reproductive health outcomes. The study examined predictors of safe sex negotiation among female adolescents aged 15–19 in Uganda. Methods: The study, based on data from the 2016 Uganda Demographic and Health Survey (UDHS). Analyzed 832 weighted cases of female adolescents aged 15–19. Chi-square tests and binary logistic regression were used to examine the predictors of SSN. The main explanatory variables included age, Partner's age, education, occupation, religion, region, wealth index, media exposure, alcohol consumption, and residence. Results: The prevalence rate of Safe Sex Negotiation (SSN) stood at 81% among female adolescents in Uganda. The binary logistic model revealed significant associations between safe sex negotiation (SSN) and the variables age, education level, and region of residence among female adolescents aged 15-19 in Uganda. Female adolescents aged 18-19 were more likely to negotiate for safe sex compared to those aged 15-17, with an odds ratio (OR) of 1.75 (CI: 1.00-3.07, p=0.049). Adolescents with secondary or higher education were significantly more likely to negotiate for safe sex than those with no education, with an OR of 5.71 (CI: 1.32-24.77, p=0.020). Adolescents from the western region were less likely to negotiate for safe sex compared to those from the central region, with an OR of 0.22 (CI: 0.06-0.78, p=0.019). Conclusion: The study highlights that older female adolescent (18-19 years), those with higher education levels, and those residing in specific regions (central) are more likely to engage in safe sex negotiation. These findings suggest that age, education, and regional factors play crucial roles in influencing safe sex practices among female adolescents in Uganda. Keywords: Safe sex negotiation, female adolescents Uganda