Factor Associated with Sexual Behaviours among Adolescents in a Rural Tanzania: Evidence from the African Research, Implementation Science, and Education (ARISE) Network

Abstract

Background Rural adolescents are transitioning to adulthood at an earlier age than previous generations. Consequently, there has been an increase in unsafe sexual practice behaviour. We assessed sexual behaviours and their associated factors among adolescents using African Research, Implementation Science, and Education (ARISE) Network data. Subject and Methods: We utilise data from the ARISE Network’s Adolescent Health Study, a cross-sectional study in six countries in sub-Saharan Africa involving rural adolescents aged 10–19 years. Participant information, health and sexual behaviours were collected through an interview-administered questionnaire. Both univariate and multivariate Poisson regression analyses were used to assess the factors associated with ever having sex. Results The proportion of adolescents who had sexual intercourse was 21.1% (95% CI: 18.9–23.5). Of those, 45.6% reported having more than one sexual partner. Being female was inversely associated with ever having sexual intercourse (APR: 0.37; 95% CI: 0.29–0.47). Age was significantly associated with ever having sexual intercourse (APR: 1.17; 95% CI:1.12–1.23). Living with a colleague (APR: 2.92; 95% CI: 1.96–436), adolescents who have been employed within the past year (APR: 1.34; 95% CI: 1.09–1.65), being exposed to pornography (APR: 2.07; 95% CI: 1.64–2.60) and receiving a sex joke, (APR: 1.84; 95% CI: 1.51–2.24) were significantly associated with ever having sexual intercourse among adolescents. Conclusion The findings highlight factors impacting sexual behaviour among adolescents. Promoting adolescents’ sexual health and well-being requires community-based interventions, family involvement, and comprehensive sexual education programs. Efforts must be made to raise public understanding of good sexual practice behaviour.