[Risk assessment in young people living in Bobo Dioulasso: analysis of factors associated with sexual precocity and multiple partners].

INTRODUCTION

Despite health education efforts, young people continue to adopt risky sexual behaviors which may have a significant impact on their health. This study aims to analyze the factors associated with sexual precocity and multiple partners among young people aged 19-24 years living in Bobo-Dioulasso.

METHODS

We conducted a quantitative, cross-sectional study. Survey data were collected from 573 young people aged 15-24 years in Bobo-Dioulasso (Burkina Faso) in December 2014. The respondents were selected using two stages cluster sampling. Risk factors for sexual precocity and multiple partners were analyzed using Stata 13 IC software. We used P<0.05 as the significance level.

RESULTS

More than half of respondents (54%) were sexually active, of whom 14% before the age of 16. Having multiple sex partners was reported by 24% of sexually active youth. Determinants of sexual precocity and multiple partners were age, sex, level of education and economic status of parents. Our data have also shown that early sexual debut was associated with multiple sexual partners (p<0.005).

CONCLUSION

Actions aimed to convince young people to delay sexual debut and to better assess risks are of utmost importance. Enhancing parents, teachers and carers capabilities is essential to improve the quality of their relationships with young people.