Sexual behaviors and associated factors among youths in Nekemte town, East Wollega, Oromia, Ethiopia: A cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND: Recent trends in sexual behavior, demonstrated in most countries, continue to indicate that more people are adopting safer sexual behaviors. However, there are signs of an increase in risky sexual behaviors in several countries. This study aimed to assess sexual behaviors and associated factors among youths in Nekemte town, East Wollega, Ethiopia in 2017. METHODS: A community-based cross sectional study was conducted using a self-administered questionnaire. Then, the collected data were analysed using logistic regressions with 95% confidence interval (CI). Besides, the results of data analysis were `presented using appropriate descriptive measures and tables. FINDINGS: Almost half of the respondents, 144(48.6%) had practiced sexual intercourse. Factors associated with ever had sexual intercourse include: being in age group 20-24(AOR = 2.322, 95% CI (1.258, 4.284)), having pocket money (AOR = 1.938, 95% CI (1.057, 3.556)), not attending school (AOR = 2.539, 95% CI (1.182, 5.456)), watching pornography (AOR = 4.314, 95% CI (2.265, 8.216)) and drinking alcohol (AOR = 7.725, 95% CI (3.077, 19.393)). CONCLUSION: High proportions of youths were practicing sexual intercourse. Targeting those identified associated factors in future intervention plan would improve the sexual behaviors of youths.