Browsing by Subject "15-24 years"
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    Modelling Factors influencing the timing of first sexual intercourse among female youth aged 15-24 years in Uganda.
    (Makerere University, 2023-11) Nsimbe, Dick
    The burden of early sexual engagement among young people is enormous, raising the risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as HIV/AIDS, unintended pregnancy, unsafe abortion, premature childbirth, and psychosocial issues. The aim of this study was to model factors influencing the timing of first sexual intercourse following menarche among female youth aged 15-24 years in Uganda. The study utilized data from the 2016 Uganda Demographic and Health Survey. The estimated average age of menarche in Uganda is 12; therefore, a sample of 8,056 females (15-24 years) was considered. All females who had their debut before 12 years were excluded, resulting in a study sample of 7,964 females (15-24 years). The analysis employed a time-to-event approach using life-table estimates, a generalized Wilcoxon test, Kaplan-Meier survival curves, log-rank tests for survival functions, and a discrete-time logit model. The results revealed that female youth in the Northern region were less likely to have their first sexual intercourse than those in the Central region (OR=0.877; 95% CI=0.79-0.97; p=0.012). Additionally, female youth with higher levels of education were less likely to start sexual intercourse than those with no education (OR=0.724; 95% CI=0.59-0.89; p=0.003). Females who could not read and write were more likely to have their first sexual intercourse than those who could (OR=1.155; 95% CI=1.07-1.25; p<0.001). Finally, working female youth were more likely to have their first sexual debut than those who were not working (OR=1.085; 95% CI=1.01-1.16; p=0.021). Therefore, the time to sexual debut given menarche is associated with the region of residence, level of education, occupation status, and literacy status of the female youth. The study recommends that in regions where female youth are more likely to engage in early sexual intercourse, targeted educational programs and awareness campaigns should be implemented to delay the onset of sexual activity. These programs can address region-specific factors and provide information on sexual health and relationships. It is crucial to promote and prioritize education among female youth, considering that higher levels of education are associated with delayed sexual debut. Efforts should be directed towards ensuring girls have access to quality education, including addressing barriers and providing opportunities for continued learning. Additionally, there should be a focus on improving literacy and life skills among female youth, particularly those who cannot read and write. Literacy programs can empower girls with knowledge and skills that may contribute to delayed sexual initiation and better decision-making.
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    Uptake of modern family planning methods and associated factors among young people (15-24 years) in Wakiso District Central Region, Uganda.
    (Makerere University, 2022-02) Kobusingye, Lois
    Introduction: Youth friendly services are designed to make health services accommodate the unique needs of youth including modern FP. A big proportion of young people however are not knowledgeable, and not comfortable in utilizing these services; resulting into several challenges of unsafe sex such as increased teenage pregnancies, and other STIs. This study assessed the uptake of modern FP and its associated factors among young people (15-24 years) in Wakiso district. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted in May 2021 among 180 sexually active young people. It consisted of a mix of qualitative and quantitative methods. Participants for qualitative analysis included 16 IDIs and 36 key informants. Systematic sampling was used to select young people for the survey while purposive sampling was used for qualitative participants. A semi-structured questionnaire was administered for the survey while key informants and in-depth-interview guides were used to collect qualitative data. Quantitative data was organised and entered into epi info data version 3.1 and exported to STATA 14 for analysis. Qualitative interviews were recorded, transcribed and translated to English. Thematic content analysis was performed. Results: Majority of participants were females 159(88.3%), 104 (57.8) had secondary education and 70(38.8%) were 21-24 years. Modern FP uptake was 51.4%, the most preferred modern FP method being condoms (51.1%). Young people had a good perception towards the use of modern family planning (54.2%) and factors which influenced the uptake of Modern Family Planning among young people (15-24 years) included , religion, occupation, number of children one had and if one had been in any sexual relationship. KI interviews indicated that condom was the most preferred method attributed by its less side effects and that the young people had a good perception towards modern family planning use due to the fact that it prevents them from early pregnancies thus the opportunity to keep in school. Conclusion: Majority of the Young people used modern family planning. This uptake was influenced by religion, occupation, number of children one had and if one had been in a sexual relationship. In order to improve modern family planning uptake, religion, occupation, number of children and sexual activity of young people should be considered