Predictors of sexual risk behaviour among unmarried persons aged 15-34 years in South Africa

ABSTRACT

South Africa accounts for the largest share of the global HIV epidemic, both in the number of people living with HIV and in new infection rates. In the context of the high prevalence of HIV/AIDS and its ensuing adverse socio-economic impact, in South Africa, this study aimed at examining the factors that impact the sexual risk-taking behaviours of unmarried persons aged 15–34 years in the country. Specifically, the study sought to examine the effects of selected sociodemographic factors on the condom use and sexual partnership behaviours of three age cohorts: 15–19-year-olds (adolescents), 20–24-year-olds (emerging adults), and 25–34-year-olds (young adults). The results showed that being male, wealthy, and living in an urban area generally protected against sexual risk-taking behaviours among respondents. Furthermore, early sexual debut, province of residence, and unemployment are risk factors for unsafe sexual practices among respondents. These demographic predictors showed varied effects depending on the age cohort of respondents. The findings support targeted interventions to improve sex education for adolescents and emerging adults in South Africa.

KEYWORDS:

• Early sexual debut
• Multiple sexual partnerships
• Unprotected sex
• South Africa
• Youth

Highlights

• The risk for multiple sexual partnerships is more pronounced for some subgroups of young people but not all.

• Early sexual debut is a key and consistent risk factor among adolescents rather than persons of other age groups in South Africa.

• The gender difference in incidence of multiple sexual partnerships is more pronounced among males, and lack of condom use is more pronounced among females.

• Employment, urban residence and wealth index have protective effects on unsafe sexual practices.

• Education has both protective and risky effects on unsafe sexual practices.

Additional information

Funding

This research did not receive any specific grant from funding agencies in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors.