Factors affecting premature sexual intercourse among young women under 20 years of a province in northern region

Abstract

  This cross-sectional survey research aims to study the behavior of having premature sexual intercourse and factors affecting premature sexual intercourse among young women under 20 years of age in a province in the northern region. A stratified sampling technique was used to select a sample of 273 young women aged 13–19 years old. Data were collected using a questionnaire. Descriptive statistics were conducted to describe general characteristics of the data, including frequency, mean, percentage, and standard deviation. Chi-square and binary logistic regression tests were used to analyze factors affecting premature sexual intercourse among young women at the statistical significance level of 0.05.

The results showed that 22.30% of the sample had sexual behavior and 1.80% had been pregnant. The factors identified as the behavior of having premature sexual intercourse by inferential statistics were (1) education levels (Grade 9 OR = 23.91 95% CL = 2.77-206.49, Grade 10 OR = 13.78 95% CL = 1.39-136.01, Grade 11 OR = 16.03 95% CL = 1.83-139.87, and Grade 12 OR = 13.78 95% CL = 1.43-123.94). (2) There were 2 levels of sexual values, including moderate level (OR =0.21 95%Cl=0.06-0.72) and low level (OR =0.19 95%Cl=0.04- 0.75). (3) In the same way, it was found that sexual curiosity was at a moderate level (OR =0.43 95%Cl=0.14-1.31) and Low level (OR =0.07 95%Cl=0.02-0.27) as well. (4) Moreover, Alcohol and drug abuse, and the environment are moderate stimulants of Sexual behavior (OR =0.30 95%Cl=0.10-0.95).

In conclusion, research findings can be applied to the creation of programs or activities to prevent premature sexual intercourse. In addition, to develop appropriate guidelines for surveillance and policy formulation preventing behaviors that result in premature sexual behavior that causes problems with an unplanned pregnancy and the problem of sexually transmitted diseases.