Age at sexual debut: A determinant of multiple partnership among South African youth
), Setswe Geofrey(2), Ketye Thabile(3), Mzolo Thembile(4), Mbelle Ntombizodwa(5),
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
Corresponding Author
Abstract
Age at sexual debut is an important determinant of HIV infection. The paper investigates the effects of age at sexual debut on sexual behaviour among South African youth. Among 2 875 respondents who ever had sexual intercourse, 39% had early sexual debut (sexual debut at age 16 years and below). Males (44.6%) were significantly more likely than females (35.1%) to report early sexual debut (odds ratio (OR)=1.45, p-value <0.001). Multiple sexual partners are significantly more common among those that had early sexual debut (10.4% vs. 4.8%) than those who had late sexual debut, (OR=2.29, pvalue<0.001). Those aged 15 to 19 years were 1.4 times more likely to report multiple partners compared to those aged 20 to 24 years. Delaying sexual debut is a strategy many national programmes are promoting. The results of this study provide additional arguments to support such initiatives and show the need to strengthen intervention targeting youth (Afr. J. Reprod. Health 2010; 14[2]:47-54).
RĖSUMĖ
Age lors du rapport sexuel initial : un déterminant des partenaires multiples chez la jeunesse de l’Afrique du sud. L’âge lors du rapport sexuel initial est un déterminant de l’infection du VIH. L’article étudie les effets de l’âge lors du rapport sexuel initial sur le comportement sexuel chez la jeunesse de l’Afrique de sud. Parmi les 2875 répondants qui n’ont jamais eu des rapports sexuels, 39% ont eu des rapports sexuels initiaux précoces (rapport sexuel initial à l’âge de 16 ans ou au – dessous). Les mâles (44,6%) avaient beaucoup plus de possibilité que les femelles (35,1%) de signaler le rapport sexuel initial précoce (l’indice de cote (IC) = 1,45, valeur – p < 0,001). Les partenaires sexuels multiples sont considérablement plus communs chez ceux qui ont eu des rapports sexuels initiaux précoces (10,4% contre 4,8%) que ceux qui ont eu des rapports sexuels tardifs (IC = 2,29, valeur – p < 0,001). Ceux qui ont 15 ans jusqu’à 19 ans avaient 1,4 fois la possibilité de signaler d’avoir des partenaires multiples par rapport à ceux qui ont entre 20 et 24 ans. Le rapport sexuel initial tardif est une stratégie que beaucoup de programmes nationaux encouragent. Les résultats de cette étude fournissent davantage des arguments qui soutiennent telles initiatives et montrent la nécessité de renforcer l’intervention qui vise la jeunesse (Afr. J. Reprod. Health 2010; 14[2]:47-54).
KEYWORDS: Sexual debut, HIV, multiple sexual partners, determinants, risky sexual behaviour.
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