Prevalence and factors associated with intergenerational sexual partnerships among undergraduate health science students in Eswatini

BACKGROUND: Intergenerational sexual partnerships (IGSPs) put young people at an increased risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) including HIV and AIDS. However, their burden and predictors remain poorly understood. OBJECTIVE: To describe the prevalence and factors associated with IGSPs among undergraduate health science students at a selected tertiary institution in Eswatini (formerly Swaziland). METHODS: Data were collected through a cross-sectional survey of 148 conveniently sampled undergraduate health science students at the University of Eswatini. Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to determine predictors of IGSPs (i.e. a 10-year or greater age disparity between heterosexual partners). RESULTS: There was equal participation of males and females in this study (50%, n=74). The prevalence of IGSPs among the sample was 31.8% (n=47). Females (adjusted odds ratio, AOR = 0.08, 95% CI: 0.03–0.24) and those who received money from sexual partners (AOR = 0.08, 95% CI: 0.01–0.62) had lower odds of being in IGSPs. CONCLUSION: Being female and being a recipient of money from a sexual partner were negatively associated with IGSPs. The relatively high prevalene of IGSPs calls for health education campaigns targeting university students on the negative consequences associated with IGSPs, especially among young women.