Unsafe premarital sexual practice and associated factors among youth in Gambella, Western Ethiopia: With a mixed method

Abstract Background According to USAIDs in 2016 report globally, there are an estimated 36.7 million people living with HIV and 1.8 million became newly infected with the virus while 1 million lost their lives because of HIV. Unsafe premarital sexual practice is the major factors that contribute the transmission of HIV/AIDS throughout the world. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of unsafe premarital sexual practice and associated factors among youth. Methods Community based cross-sectional study was conducted from April to June 2018 G.C at Gambella Peoples’ National Regional State. A sample of 151 youth of age between 15–24 from three kebeles, 9 elders and 8 officers were taken for the study using simple random sampling and purposive sampling technique. It was analyzed by using simple statistical techniques and chi-square and logistic regression. Results The results of this study indicated that 100% of the respondents were found with unsafe premarital sexual practice. They started practicing sex with the minimum age 10 and maximum age of 19. Having multiple sexual partners and the elders’ encouragement of the tradition had shown high positive relationship and has effected on the prevalence rate of STDs. Conclusion Prevalence of unsafe premarital sexual practice was relatively high and it has positive association with transmission of HIV. Therefore, it is better to be designed appropriate interventions and working together with deferent stakeholders for the implementation of the intervention and as well as to reduce the transmission rate.