Social economic determinants of unsafe sex among young women age 15-24 in Kenya

Abstract

Sub-Saharan Africa has been severally affected by the HIV pandemic. Kenya has a high HIV burden with an estimated 100,000 new infections per year. In set ups with high HIV prevalence, unprotected sex puts young unmarried women at risk of HIV infection. Few studies have been done to determine the determinants of demand for condoms use among this population in Kenya. This study aimed to determine the social economic determinants of condom use at last sex among young unmarried women age 15-24 year in Kenya. This study utilized Kenya Demographic and Health Survey of 2008/9 which is a national representative survey. The analyzed sample included young unmarried women age 15-24 years, who were sexually active in the past 12 months preceding the survey. A logit regression model was used to identify social demographic and economic factors independently associated with condom use at last sex. Our analysis identified 612 young women who met the inclusion criteria. Overall, 38 percent of young women used a condom at last sex. Factors independently associated with condom use at last sex included condom use at first sex, secondary and higher education level and knowledge of HIV prevention methods. HIV prevention programs for the young women should therefore aim to target our young girls before sex debut to increase their risk perception of acquiring HIV infection and therefore empower them to use protection during their first sexual intercourse with a partner of unknown HIV status. Our education system should aim to provide education to girls to the highest level of education.