Factors associated with onset of sexual intercourse among never-married adolescents (10-19) in Uganda

Abstract

This paper investigates factors associated with onset of vaginal or penetrative sex among never-married adolescents in Uganda. The investigations are based on data sourced from the Straight Talk Evaluation Survey comprising 2,133 records. The likelihood of sexual onset during adolescence was modeled using a logistic regression on adolescents, demographic characteristics, knowledge, attitude and behavioral factors. In the results, nearly one in eight adolescents (12.2%) had initiated sexual intercourse before age 19. The odds of sexual onset were higher among adolescents at later ages, male, out-of-school, those involved at large in activities that predispose risky behavior and adolescents with a relatively high level of knowledge on reproductive health and HIV issues. Further, reduced odds of sexual onset were noted among adolescents with a progressive attitude towards pre-marital sex. In light of the findings, early sex education focusing on clarification of core values related to pre-marital sex, control in exposure to risky behavior through increased parental involvement and prioritizing schooling particularly among girls were interventions suggested.