VALUE OF VIRGINITY RELATED WITH SEXUAL BEHAVIOUR AND ASSOCIATED FACTORS AMONG YOUTH IN MEKELLE CITY, NORTHERN ETHIOPIA

Meles Yohannes*, Desalegn Tegabu, Measho G/Slassie, Berihu Gidey , Gebrehiwot Gebremariam

ABSTRACT

Background: Value of virginity helps for delaying subsequent sexual and reproductive health risk behaviors. It is also norm of most society of Ethiopia especially Northern part even if; currently decrease in urban areas due to western world culture influence. So, this study aimed to assess value of virginity relates with sexual behavior and associated factors among youths in Ethiopia. A community based cross sectional study was conducted among youths age 15-24 years in Mekelle city from July 15-August 3, 2013. A total of 780participants were included in the study using a multi-stage sampling technique. Descriptive, binary and multiple logistic regration analysis were performing using EPI INFO 5.7 and SPSS version 20. A total of 780 youths were participated in the study and making a response rate of 97%.The proportion of study participants who believe in value of virginity was 59.5%. The significant factors were visiting religious institution everyday [AOR: 3.19, 95%CI: 1.74,5.86], female [AOR: 1.75, 95%CI: 1.18, 2.58], mothers educational status grade7-12[AOR: 0.483, 95%CI: 0.27,0.85], have prior information [AOR: 1.91, 95%CI: 1.25,2.92], agree value to virginity [AOR, 1.85, 95%CI: 1.15,2.97], not ever had intercourse [AOR, 1.68, 95%CI: 1.16,2.43], and grow up by parents [AOR: 1.65, 95%CI: 1.06,2.57] were significantly associated with value of virginity. There exists poor value of virginity and high risky behaviors (early sexual practice). So, strengthening in youth sexual education programs and further revising strategies at earlier life to prevent sexual risky behaviors in youth’s age 15-24 years should be considered.

Keywords: Youths, Value of virginity, Risky behavior, Ethiopia.