Factors Predisposing Out Of School Youth To High Risk Sexual Practice With Respect To Hiv Infection In Bahir Dar Town Northwest Ethiopia

Youth constitute the population within the age range of 15 up to 24 years. They make up about 30% ofrnthe world population. Even though youth constitute 30% of the population they harbor about half thernburden due to HIV/AIDS. Out of school youth are at a much higher risk for HIV/AIDS.rnThis study was conducted in Bahir Dar town among out of school youth to assess predisposing riskrnfactors that put out of school youth at risk of risky sexual practices and HIV infection. The study designrnwas descriptive cross-sectional study. Both quantitative and qualitative data were employed. For thernquantitative section a standardized questionnaire was prepared and pre-tested. Focus Group Discussionsrn(FGD) and In-depth Interviews (II) were conducted to collect qualitative data.rnFor the quantitative section 628 youth participated in the study. Three hundred twenty four were malesrnand 304 were females. Majority (63.1%) were within the age range of 20 up to 24 years. Majority,rn(64.8%) had started sexual intercourse. More males than females tended to have sex with non-regular sexrnpartner. Consistent condom use was found to be low. Alcohol intake, khat chewing, low educationalrnbackground and being male were found to be significantly associated with having sex with eitherrncommercial or non-regular sex partner. In addition, peers to be sexually active, families’ condition tornmonitor (support) their children were found to be associated with risky sexual practice. Youth behaviorrnnot to visit libraries, visiting sexy video shows and visiting religious organizations occasionally werernsignificantly associated with youth risky sexual practice. On the other hand lower number of incomernearner in youth family and youth who leveled their living condition as “poor” were found to have sex inrnexchange for money. For the qualitative part five focus group discussions and ten in-depth interviewsrnwere conducted. Participants claimed that absence of job, youth tendency to chew khat and drink alcohol,rnparents’ poor involvement in shaping youth sexual behavior and absence of adequate and attractive placesrn(youth programs) to pass leisure time were reported as the driving forces that put out of school youth atrnrisk of unsafe sexual practices and HIV infection.rnCreating employment opportunities, involving parents in the campaign against HIV/AIDS and preparingrnadequate and comfortable places and youth programs for leisure time with adequate, attractive and needrnbased health education services were recommended to save the generation.

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