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Prevalence and Determinants

of Risky Sexual Behaviour


among sexually active Adults
18 years and older in selected
rural Areas in Jamaica
Student names
Mark Lewis
Shanice Jackson
Jah-zein Cooper
Alexa-Rae Allen
Mellesia Lee
Cordania Allen
Carressa Josephs
Sabrenia Archer
Reneique Deidrick
Kayphia King
Nicollette Johnson
Carlanne Joseph
Omar Bullock
Jonathan Davis
Kamoija Bailey
Content Page
Introduction…………………………………………………………………………..……………………..1
Literature Review………………………………………………………………...……………………........3
Rationale……………………………………………………………………………………………...….....7
Aims and Objectives……………………………………………………………………………………......9
Methodology……………………………………………………………………………………...…….....10
INTRODUCTION

Sexual behaviour is a composite private activity subjected to cultural, social, moral and
legal constraints. A study of sexual behaviour conducted in fifty-nine (59) countries by Wellings
et al.,(2006) noted that there is substantial diversity in sexual behaviour by region and sex. The
study of sexual behaviour forms the core of understanding sexually transmitted disease (STD)
transmission dynamics, especially among high risk groups (Fenton et al., 2001). The study
conducted by Fenton et al., (2001) noted that adolescents and young adults have been noted to be
of highest risks. The field drew grand public attention in the 1990’s after increasing awareness to
human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) risks . Globally, health entities have not yet agreed on a
single definition of risky sexual behaviour but any sexual behaviour that increases an
individual’s exposure to negative outcomes and threats to sexual and reproductive health are
thereby labelled risky sexual behaviour (Mirzaei et al., 2016). Such negative outcomes may
include contraction of STDs, damage to relationships, family conflicts, financial problems, legal
disputes and even unwanted pregnancies (Mirzaei et al., 2016). Some specific behavioral events
and practices have been utilized for the general characterization of risky sexual behaviour;
having sex at an early age, multiple sexual partners, having sexual intercourse or interaction
under the influence of alcohol or drugs, unprotected sexual practices and peer influences
(Kebede et al., 2000).
Risky sexual behaviour may also play a role in the development of certain head and neck
cancers by way of contraction of the human papilloma virus (Osazuwa-Peters et al., 2015).
Eisenberg et al. (2018) reported that the incidence of HPV-related oropharyngeal squamous cell
cancers is increasing and has surpassed cervical cancer as the most common type of cancer
related to HPV in the USA. There is also an increased risk of cervical, vulval, vaginal, anal, oral
and prostate cancer. A study conducted by Hayes et al. (2000) among college students and the
general population in Michigan, USA showed an association between an increased risk of
prostate cancer with unprotected sexual intercourse, sex with prostitutes and a history of STDs,
particularly syphilis and gonorrhea (Eisenberg et al., 2018). According to Brehan and Brehan
(2014) in a meta-analysis of risky sexual behaviour among male youths in developing countries,
90% of young males aged 15-19 years in twenty-one (21) developing countries displayed high
risk sexual behaviours. In Cameroon, higher economic capability was found to be strongly
associated with susceptibility of HIV infection (Brehan & Brehan, 2014). In totality, unsafe
sexual practice is the second leading cause of global burden of diseases (Ezzati et al., 2002).
In the Caribbean, the prevalence and determinants of risky sexual behavior in adolescents
aged 10-19 years were studied and risk factors such as history of physical or sexual abuse,
single-parent households, low socio-economic status and poor knowledge of sexual transmitted
diseases were identified (Maharaj, 2009)9. Additionally, 44% of respondents reported early
initiation of sexual intercourse and of these 38% indicated that this initial encounter was forced9.
A study conducted by Orisatoki and Oguntiboju (2010) showed that knowledge of sexually
transmitted diseases is high among medical students at a Caribbean University. However, risky
sexual behavior such as sex with a commercial sex worker and regular unprotected sex were
identified but the prevalence was low10. This study is limited as it did not truly encompass the
general population. Maharaj et al. (2007) conducted a national Knowledge, Attitude, Practice and
Belief (KAPB) survey with 1,798 respondents on HIV/AIDS in Trinidad and Tobago 11. This
research was mainly conducted to appreciate sexual behavior in the population since the
HIV/AIDS pandemic 25 years prior to the survey. Despite this pandemic, it was observed that
sexual activity continues to be initiated at an early age. Sixty- eight (68) people reported having
sex with a commercial sex worker yet only six (6) of these people said they used a condom 11.
High risk sexual behaviour in adults aged 15-74 years in Jamaica was studied and results
showed that one third of the study sample practiced sexual behaviour that increased their risk of
HIV infection (Morgan et al., 2012). This study also portrayed that risky sexual behavior was
more common in males and younger persons whereas, lower odds of high risk sexual behaviour
were associated with being married and regular attendance at church services 12. Smith et al.
(2003) showed that cultural and gender norms influence sexual behaviour of adolescents in
Hanover, Jamaica. For example, females are culturally restrained from early initiation of sex
whereas abstinence is considered less desirable for their male counterparts 13. Family was
identified as an important risk factor for adolescent sexual behaviour 13. Additionally, Walcott et
al. (2014) reported that a high proportion of Jamaican men engage in risky sexual behaviour 14.
Dowe et al. (2001) conducted a study to show the prevalence of sexually transmitted infections
in cohort with long-standing drug and alcohol abuse problems compared with that of blood
donors. However, prevalence of sexually transmitted infections did not differ sufficiently
between cohorts. This study also identified being female and being unemployed as risk factors
for risky sexual behaviour 15. In Jamaica, HIV/AIDS, which can be a result of risky sexual
behaviour, is identified as one the main burdens of disease.

LITERATURE REVIEW

Risky sexual behavior is a priority public health concern due to the high prevalence of
HIV/AIDS and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) (Muche, Kassa Berhe and Fekadu
2017;Mamo, Admasu, Berta,2016). The Caribbean region has the second-highest HIV
prevalence worldwide after sub-Saharan Africa (Walcott, Funkhouser, Aung, Kemot, Ehri,
Zhang, Bakhoya, Hickman and Jolly, 2014; Morgan, Ferguson, Tulloch-Reid, Francis,
McFarlane, Grant, Lewis, Fuller and Wilks, 2012; Ishida, Stupp, McDonald, 2011). In Jamaica,
the prevalence of HIV infection is estimated between 1.6 and 1.8% with the majority of cases
being transmitted via heterosexual contact (Ncube, Ansong, Daniels, Campbell-Stennett, Jolly ,
2017; Morgan et al ,2012)
Numerous studies conducted have found significant associations between high sexual
behavior and sociodemographic and religious factors. One major study conducted in Jamaica,
was the Jamaica Health and Lifestyle Survey 2007-2008. This was a cross sectional study,
Morgan et al conducted using a sample of 2848 Jamaicans 15-74 years old. Participants were
asked to complete and interviewer-administered questionnaire that included questions on their
sexual activity. High risk sexual activity were classified as persons who reported two or more
partners during the past year, non-use of condoms among persons with multiple partners and a
previous history of Sexually Transmitted Infections(STIs). Sociodemographic variables included
education, occupation, marital status, religion and frequency of attendance at religious services.
Results showed that 32 % of the respondents report high risk sexual behaviours and was more
common among men and younger persons. However being married and regular attendance at
religious services were associated with a lower frequency of high risk sexual behaviours.
Definite conclusions could not be drawn due to small numbers in some subgroups and lack of
statistical significance in other instances. Efforts to educate the population and identify factors
which drive these high risk behaviours were suggested to be further explored.
A systematic review and meta-analysis conducted by Muche et al (2017) explored the
national prevalence and risk factors of risky sexual behavior in Ethiopia. Of the 1120 published
and 10 unpublished reports found in the review, after exclusion 31 studies were included in the
analysis. All included articles were cross-sectional studies and a total of 43,695 participants were
included. The findings suggested that being male (0R1.69 95%CI:1.21,2.37), substance use
(0R;3.42; 95%CI1.41,8.31), peer pressure ((0R;3.41; 95% CI: 1.69,6.87) and viewing
pornographic material (OR:3.6: 95% CI:2.21,5.86 ) were found to be associated with risky
sexual practices. The overall pooled prevalence in Ethiopia was 42.8% (95%CI: 35,64%,49.96%)
Findings in Jamaica (Morgan et al 2012) were found to be lower than in Ethiopia. One limitation
of this study was that it was restricted only to English language. Also the fact that all studies
were cross-sectional prevents a cause and effect relationship to be made between risky sexual
practice and the characteristics presented.
A review entitled “Health risk behaviours among adolescents in the English speaking
Caribbean conducted by Maharaj, Nunes and Renwick in 2009 gave a regional perspectives on
the topic. 95 total papers were identified which had 65 as surveys and 22 addressed high risk
sexual behavior. Risk factors for early initiation of sexual activity included single parent
households, lack of parental supervision, low socioeconomic background and poor knowledge of
STIs. Being male and substance abuse has been a recurring risk factor. This review introduced a
new risk factor namely recent depression or attempted suicide. Having a good relationship with
parents, involvement in extra-curricular activities and attending church were all found to be
protective forsexual activity. Data from the study suggested that the high risk sexual behavior
among Caribbean adolescents were similar to a study conducted in the US.
Substance abuse has been linked to risky sexual behaviour in adolescents and adults. In
an anonymous standardized cross-sectional survey of adolescent students in the Atlantic region
of Canada, 9997 students from grades 9, 10 and 12 in the public school system were issued a
questionnaire that collected data about the following sexual intercourse, unplanned sexual
intercourse, number of sexual partners, condom use, alcohol use, episodes of binge drinking and
drunkenness, cigarette smoking and cannabis use (Poulin and Graham, 2001). The questionnaire
was self-administered and 50% of the responders were male. The findings reported were that
37.5% of males and 39.7% of females had engaged in sexual intercourse in the 12 months prior
to the survey. Of those, 68.0% of males and 61.5% of females reported having engaged in
unplanned sexual intercourse, 40.9% of males and 32.1% of females reported having more than
one sexual partner, and 49.9% of males and 64.1% of females reported inconsistent condom use.
It was also found that unplanned sexual intercourse under the influence of alcohol or other drugs
is an independent determinant of risky sexual behaviours which included multiple sexual
partners and inconsistent condom use. The study mentioned above did not include persons older
than 18 years old, however, a positive correlation between substance abuse and risky sexual
behaviours has also been seen in older adults (Morojelea, Kachieng, Mokokoc, Nkokoa, Parry,
Nkowanee and Saxenae, 2006). The World Health Organization conducted a multi-site rapid
assessment and response project that sought to develop a methodology for studying factors
associated with alcohol use-related sexual risk behaviour. The participants of the study included
adults aged 25-44 years old living in Gauteng province in South Africa. The assessment involved
conducting 18 key informant interviews, observations in seven drinking venues, six focus groups
and 16 in-depth interviews of ‘risky drinkers’ and their partners. The findings showed a strong
link between alcohol consumption and risky sexual behaviour [WHO, YEAR].
Traumatic life experiences in the form of sexual abuse, physical abuse, emotional abuse,
child neglect and abandonment and witnessing injury or death have all been linked to risky
sexual behaviour. In a research paper done by Washington University entitled “The Association
of Physical and Sexual abuse with HIV risk behaviours in adolescence and young adulthood”,
602 young people with an age range of 13-18 years of age was interviewed about their prior
year’s involvement in risky sexual behaviour (Werner, Cunningham-Williams, Sewell, Agrawal,
McCutcheon, Waldron, Heath and Bucholz, 2017). The results showed that that a history of
physical abuse, sexual abuse, or rape is related to engaging in a variety of HIV risk behaviours
and to a continuation or increase in the total numbers of these behaviours between adolescence
and young adulthood. According to the World Health Organization, Childhood maltreatment
includes not only physical and sexual abuse but also emotional abuse and child neglect [WHO,
YEAR]. It was on this basis that that the study done by the Faculty of Medicine, University of
Queensland entitled “Risky Sexual Behaviors and Pregnancy Outcomes in Young Adulthood
Following Substantiated Childhood Maltreatment: Findings from a Prospective Birth Cohort
Study” was conducted (Abajobir, Kisely, Williams, Strathearn and Najman, 2017). A total of
1,980 young adults from The Mater-University of Queensland Study of Pregnancy (MUSP)
ranging from 19-22 years old were interviewed about the sexual behaviours. The study was in
keeping with previous research for physical and sexual abuse, however also revealed that
emotional abuse and neglect, were both associated with an early sexual debut and multiple
sexual partners.
Social and family network including peers and parental relationships have been shown to
affect sexual behaviour. In a cross sectional study done in North West Ethiopia, a self-
administered questionnaire was used to assess the roles of social networks on sexual behaviour
of 806 adolescents with ages ranging from 16-23 years old in the Bahir Dar and Mecha district
(Asrese and Mekonnen, 2018). The data was analysed using an hierarchical logistical regression
model and the results showed that 13% had risky sexual behaviour. The article further surmised
that social network variables predicted adolescents’ risky sexual behaviour more so than
individual attributes. These findings were in keeping with an article entitled “The influence of
peers on risky sexual behaviour during adolescence” published by The European Journal of
Contraception and Reproductive Health Care (Potard, Courtois and Rusch, 2008). The
researchers included 100 students from an urban high school in Chartres (in the department of
Eure-et-Loir, France) to be a part of the study and the results showed that sexual permissiveness
of peers is associated with a higher frequency of risky sexual behaviour. The main limitations of
this study were the small sample size as well as the fact that the population came from one high
school, and therefore does not give a true representation of the entire French school population.
Apart from social relationships, family relationships have also been shown to affect a child’s
behaviour. The parent-child relationship is one such important relationship which was found to
be positively related to quality of life, specifically risky sexual behaviour more so in females
than males (Szkody, Rogers and McKinney, 2018).

Rationale??
Aim: To identify the prevalence and determinants of risky sexual behaviour in persons eighteen
years and older in Jamaica.

Objectives:

1. To describe the socioeconomic and demographic characteristics of the sample

2. To determine the prevalence of risky sexual behaviour in persons eighteen years


and older attending health centres in Jamaica.

3. To determine the determinants of risky sexual behaviour in persons eighteen years


and older attending health centres in Jamaica.

4. To determine if there is a correlation between substance use, viewing


pornographic materials and risky sexual practices.

5. To assess the prevalence of sexually transmitted infections and the association


with risky sexual practices among persons eighteen years and older.

6. To determine if there is association between lower socioeconomic status and


increase prevalence of risky sexual behaviour.

7. To evaluate the relationship between demographics and risky sexual practices.

Rationale: Risky sexual practices are a common public health concern in Jamaica. Such
practices including unprotected sex may result in transmission of sexually transmitted infections
such as HIV/AIDS and unwanted pregnancies which may increase the frequency of unsafe
abortions. Understanding the determinants of risky sexual practices is crucial for implementing
programmes to reduce the burden of risky sexual practises and increase awareness of the impact
on public health in Jamaica

METHODS & MATERIALS

STUDY DESIGN:
The study design of choice is a cross-sectional study, which was conducted in the rural parishes
of Hanover, St. Ann, St. Mary, and Trelawny during October 1 to November 2, 2018 amongst
persons 18 years and older. The participants were recruited from health centre in rural parishes.

STUDY POPULATION:
State the study population
INCLUSION:
To be eligible for participation in this study, individuals had to self-report having had sex be
sexually active, 18 years and older and registered at health centres in rural parishes of Jamaica.
EXCLUSION:
This study excludes individuals who are not sexually active and those under 18 years of age.

SAMPLE SIZE AND STRATEGY:


The prevalence of risky sexual behaviour was documented to be 32.0% in Jamaica (Morgan et
al., 2012). Using the usual 95% confidence interval and precision level of 0.05, the minimum
sample size calculated is 329. Given the 5 week limitation of the clerkship, a sample of 150
individuals will be recruited.
A list of registered patients were obtained from the Nurse in charge at each rural health centre
site and used as the sampling frame. A number was assigned to every sampling unit on the
sampling frame. Random numbers were generated using the random integer generator called
Raosoft. With Raosoft, each individual was chosen entirely by chance and each member of the
population had an equal probability of being included in the sample. Thus, ever selection bias
was eliminated.
From the sampling unit, participants were selected to be included or excluded based on whether
or not they have been sexually active respectively. For those persons who refused or failed to
satisfy the inclusion criteria or any duplicated selection – replacements were drawn.
DATA COLLECTION
For this research, interview administered questionnaires were used. A 44-question interview
administered questionnaire was developed. These questions were aimed at collecting information
about socioeconomic and demographic factors and determinants of risky sexual behaviour of the
participants. Five of these questions were particularly selected as the risky sexual behaviour
determinants by previous studies on same. All interview administered questionnaires were
administered by medical students. This allowed for immediate clarification of doubts or,
misunderstandings among questions. The medical students ensured that questionnaires were
administered as privately as possible.

DATA ANALYSIS:
Quantitative data were analyzed with the assistance of Statistical Package for the Social Sciences
(SPSS) version 20 for Microsoft Windows. Data were summarized in tables and graphs;
descriptive and inferential statistics were used where appropriate. Statistical tests were applied to
examine associations between variables. P values 0.05 or less were regarded as statistically
significant.

ETHICAL CONSIDERATIONS

Permission to conduct interview session was sought from target patients at the chosen Health
Centres as well as consent form was provided to be signed after consenting, outlining the steps
that will be taken to ensure confidentiality. Participants were informed that any information
provided will not be used for any other purpose than intended and were advised of their right to
decline or withdraw participation.

Participants were selected only because of the specific problem(s) under investigation, and not
because of easy availability, diminished autonomy, or social bias. The principles enunciated in
the FMS/UHWI Guidelines for the conduct of research and the Ministry of Health’s Guidelines
for the Conduct of Research on Human Subjects have been complied with.
RESULTS

The sample consisted of 150 persons with age range within 18-86 years. The mean age of the

sample was 38.6 (Standard Deviation [SD] 15.9) years. The majority (66.7%, n=100) of the

sample were female.

4.1 Socioeconomic and Demographic Characteristics

Among females, the majority (57.0%, n=57) of the sample was between the ages of 18 and 35

years, while among males, the majority (38.0%, n=19). of the sample was between the ages of 36

and 55 years.

Seventy percent (n=70) of females were in union, compared to sixty-one percent (n=30) among

males. Most of the respondents were Christians (84.8% n=123). With respect to denomination,

Church of God was the most common, accounting for 38.8%(n=50).

Most of the sample were employed (58.0% n=87). A higher percentage of females were

unemployed (49.0% n=49) when compared to males (28.0% n=14). Very few of the respondents

were students (8.8% n=13) and only 6.7% (n=10) of the sample were retired.

In respect to education, almost all (77.3% n=116) of the sample had completed, at the minimum,

the secondary level. However, only ten percent (n=10) of the sample had reached the tertiary

level.

As it relates to income, most of the sample earned less than $30,000 per month. Among males,

most earned between $30.000 and $50,000 per month. Among females, on the other hand, most
earned less than $30,000 per month. According to the p values there was significant differences

across the male and female gender and employment status.(.015 and .014 respectively)

Table 4.1: Socioeconomic and Demographic Characteristics

Sex %(n)
Variable
Total p-value
Male Female
Age Group
18-35 34.0 (17) 57.0 (57) 49.3 (74) .015
36-55 38.0 (19) 30.0 (30) 32.7 (49)

≥56 28.0 (14) 13.0 (13) 18.0 (27)


Union Status
In union 61.2 (30) 70.0 (70) 67.1 (100) .284
Not in union 38.7 (19) 30.0 (30) 32.9 (49)
Religion
Christianity 78.7 (37) 87.8 (86) 84.8 (123) .329
Rastafarian 8.5 (4) 3.1 (3) 4.8 (7)
Other 12.8 (6) 8.2 (8) 9.7 (14)
Denomination
Seventh Day 20.5 (8) 16.7 (15) 17.8 (23) .572
Adventist
Church of God 33.3 (13) 41.1 (37) 38.8 (50)
Baptist 15.4 (6) 5.6 (5) 8.5 (11)
Catholic 0.0 (0) 1.1 (1) 0.8 (1)
Pentecostal 10.3 (4) 16.7 (15) 14.7 (19)
Anglican 5.1 (2) 2.2 (2) 3.1 (4)
Jehovah’s 2.6 (1) 3.3 (3) 3.1 (4)
Witness
Other 12.8 (5) 13.3 (12) 13.2 (17)
Highest Level
Completed
Primary or 32.0% (16) 18.0% (18) 22.7% (34) .204
Below
Secondary 50.0% (25) 59.0% (59) 56.0% (84)
Technical/Vocati 12.0% (6) 11.0% (11) 11.3% (17)
onal
Tertiary 6.0% (3) 12.0% (12) 10.0% (15)
Employment
Employed 72.0 (36) 51.0 (51) 58.0 (87) .014
Unemployed 28.0 (14) 49.0 (49) 42.0 (63)
Student
Yes 4.0 (2) 11.0 (11) 8.7 (13) .151
No 96.0 (48) 89.0 (89) 91.3 (137)
Retired
Yes 8.0 (4) 6.0 (6) 6.7 (10) .643
No 92.0 (46) 94.0 (94) 93.3 (140)
Monthly
Income
<30,000 32.5 (13) 55.6 (35) 46.6 (48) .120
30,000-50,000 32.5 (30) 28.6 (18) 30.1 (31)
50,001-70,000 15.0 (6) 7.9 (5) 10.7 (11)
70,001-90,000 7.5 (3) 1.6 (1) 3.9 (4)
>90,000 12.5 (5) 6.4 (4) 8.7 (9)
4.2 Prevalence of Risky Sexual Behaviour

The Researcher developed five questions to evaluate risky sexual behaviour in the participants of

the study. The first question required the respondents to state the age at which they first had

sexual intercourse; persons who had sex below the age of sixteen years were classified as having

risky sexual behaviour. Respondents were then asked to give the number of sexual partners they

had had in the last three months as well and if they had sex with a commercial sex worker in the

last three months; persons who had two or more partners in the last three months classified as

having risky sexual behaviour. Next, the respondents were asked whether they used a condom in

their last sexual encounter. Finally, they were asked if ever used alcohol or marijuana before

having sexual intercourse.

Each of the five items were scored as one for risky sexual behaviour and zero for not risky sexual

behaviour. Persons who scored one on any of the items where categorized as having risky sexual

behaviour. The majority (72.7%, n=109) of the sample displayed risky sexual behaviour. Among

those aged 18 to 35 years, almost half (48.6% n=53) of the sample displayed risky behaviour.

Among those aged 36 to 55 years, 35.8% (n=39) of the sample displayed risky behaviour.

Among those greater than 55 years, 15.6% (n=17) of sample displayed risky behaviour.

Section 4.3-Determinants of Risky Sexual Behaviour


Among those aged 18 to 35 years, almost half (48.6 n=53) of the sample displayed risky sexual
behaviour. On the other hand

Table 4.2 Socioeconomic and Demographic factors that affect Risky Sexual Behaviour

Variable Risky Sexual Behaviour

Total P Values
Not Risky Risky
Age(Years)

18- 35 51.2 (21) 48.6 (53) 49.3 (74)


.286
36-55 24.4 (10) 35.8 (39) 32.7 (49)
>/=56 24.4 (10) 15.6 (17) 18.0 (27)
Union Status
In Union 61.0 (25) 69.4 (75) 67.1(100)
.326
Not in Union 39.0 (16) 30.6 (33) 32.9 (49)
Religion
Christianity 97.4 (37) 80.4 (86) 84.9 (123) .093
Rastafarian .0 (0) 6.5 (7) 4.8 (7)
Other 2.6 (1) 12.2 (13) 9.7 (14)
Denomination
Seventh Day 27.0 (10) 14.1 (13) 17.8 (23)
Adventist
Church of God 46.0 (17) 35.9 (33) 38.8 (50)
Baptist 8.1 (3) 8.7 (8) 8.5 (11)
Catholic .0 (0) 1.1 (1) .8 (1)
.292
Pentecostal 10.8 (4) 16.3 (15) 14.7 (19)
Anglican 2.7 (1) 3.3 (3) 3.1 (4)
Jehovah Witness 2.7 (1) 3.3 (3) 3.1 (4)
Other 2.7 (1) 17.4 (16) 13.2 (17)
Highest Level
Completed
Primary or 26.8 (11) 21.1 (23) 22.7 (34)
Below
.043
Secondary 48.8 (20) 58.7 (64) 56.0 (84)
Technical/Vocati 4.9 (2) 13.8 (15) 11.3 (17)
onal
Tertiary 19.5 (8) 6.4 (7) 10.0 (15)
Sex
Male 19.5 (8) 38.5 (42) 33.3 (50)
.028
Female 80.5 (33) 61.5 (67) 66.7 (100)
Employment
Employed 61.0 (25) 56.9 (62) 58.0 (87)
.651
Unemployed 39.0 (16) 43.1 (47) 42.0 (63)
Student
Yes 9.8 (4) 8.3 (9) 8.7 (13)
.771
No 90.2 (37) 91.7 (100) 91.3 (137)
Retired
Yes 12.2 (5) 4.6 (5) 6.7 (10)
.096
No 87.8 (36) 95.4 (104) 93.3 (140)
Monthly
Income
<$30,000 62.5 (20) 39.4 (28) 46.6 (48)
$30,000-$50,000 21.9 (7) 33.8 (24) 30.1 (31)
.307
$50,001-$70,000 6.3 (2) 12.7 (9) 10.7 (11)
$70,001-$90,000 3.1 (1) 4.2 (3) 3.9 (4)
>$90,000 6.3 (2) 9.9 (7) 8.7 (9)
Table 4.2 gives an idea of the different socioeconomic and demographic factors in this
study that are considered to determinants of risky sexual behaviour. Educational level and sex of
the participant showed a significant effect on risky sexual behaviour(P=

The researcher also assessed other determinants that could affect

Table 4.3 Other Determinants of Risky Sexual Behaviour

Variable
Marijuana at Not Risky Risky Total P Value
last sex
Yes 18.2 (2) 36.6 (15) 32.7 (17) .218
No 81.8 (9) 63.4 (26) 67.3 (35)
Cocaine at last
sex
Yes 0.0 (0) 2.8 (3) 2.0 (3) .283
No 100.0 (41) 97.3 (106) 98.0 (147)
Ecstacy at last
sex
Yes 0.0(0) .9(1) .7(1)
.583
No 100.0(41) 99.1(108) 99.3(149)
Sex for Money
Yes 2.4(1) 12.8(14) 10.0(15)
.058
No 97.6(40) 87.1(95) 90.0(135)
Pornographic
use
Yes 29.3(12) 49.5(54) 44.0(66)
.026
No 70.7(29) 50.5(55) 56.0(84)
STI in the last 3
months
Yes 2.8(1) 7.2(7) 6.0(8)
.339
No 97.2(35) 92.8(90) 94.0(125)
Same Day Sex
Yes 4.9(2) 32.1(35) 24.7(37)
.001
No 95.1(39) 67.9(74) 75.3(113)
Parent/Guardia
n during
childhood
Mother and 48.8(20) 39.8(43) 42.3(63)
Father
Mother 19.5(8) 36.1(39) 31.5(47)
Father 0.0(0) 3.7(4) 2.7(4) .154
Guardians who 26.8(11) 18.5(20) 20.8(31)
are relatives
Guardians who 4.9(2) 1.8(2) 2.7(4)
are not relatives
Parent /
Guardian
Educational
Level
Primary or 50.0(19) 39.0(37) 42.1(56)
Below
Secondary 42.1(16) 46.3(44) 45.1(60)
Technical/Vocati 5.3(2) 3.2(3) 3.8(5) .305
onal
Tertiary 2.6(1) 11.6(11) 9.0(12)
Sexual Abuse
Yes 22.0(9) 15.7(17) 17.5(26)
.372
No 78.1(32) 84.3(91) 82.6(123)
Sex Education
Yes 61.0(25) 58.3(63) 59.1(88)
.770
No 39.0(16) 41.7(45) 40.9(61)
Relationship
with Mother
figure
Poor 12.8(5) 14.7(16) 14.2(21)
Average 10.3(4) 15.6(17) 14.2(21)
Good 15.4(6) 22.0(24) 20.3(30)
.673
Very Good 20.5(8) 15.6(17) 16.9(25)
Excellent 41.0(16) 32.1(35) 34.5(51)
Relationship
with father
figure
Poor 22.2(8) 32.3(33) 29.7(41)
Average 27.8(10) 13.7(14) 17.4(24)
Good 16.7(6) 17.7(18) 17.4(24) .215
Very Good 5.6(2) 13.7(14) 11.6(16)
Excellent 27.8(10) 22.6(23) 23.9(33)
Multiple Sexual
Partners at
once
Yes 2.4(1) 14.7(16) 11.3(17)
.035
No 97.6(40) 85.3(93) 88.7(133)
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