Prevalence and factors associated with safe sex behaviors among adolescent vocational students in Nakhon Ratchasima Province, Thailand

Abstract

Background: Premature sexual intercourse among adolescent can be linked to HIV and sexual transmitted diseases and unintended pregnancy. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and factors associated with safe sex behaviors among adolescent vocational students in Nakhn Ractchasima province, Thailand.

Methods: A cross-sectional analytical study(n=332) was conducted from August-October 2018 by using self-administered questionnaire. Bivariate (Chi-square test) and multivariate analysis ( logistic regression) were performed to identified the factors associated with safe sex behaviors among adolescent vocational students in Nakhon Ratchasima province, Thailand.

Results: finding revealed that the participants were male 57.8% and female 42.2%with an average age of 16.80 years (±1.7). Approximately 60.% of male and 50% of female had experience of sexual intercourse , with their first experience of sexual intercourse at the average age of 15 years old. Most respondents 63.1 % used a condom and 63.6% used contraception in their latest sexual intercourse. About 41.9% consumed alcohol and 15% was due to substance abused. Sexual intercourse among adolescents vocational students were significantly associated with knowledge of contraception (OR = 0.298, 95%CI= 0.47 -0.57), Positive attitude towards reproductive health (OR=0.165,95%CI= 3.32-6.71), with low risk behavior (OR = 0.45, 95%CI= 0.219-0.911), and high risk behaviors (OR = 0.24, 95%CI= 0.09-0.58). Contraceptive used in the latest sexual intercourse was significant association with cues to action (OR=0.43, 95%CI= 0.22-0.86)

Conclusion: The study highlights the situation of safe sex behaviors among adolescent vocational students in Nakhon Ratchasima. It is recommended that sex education should be improved within the curriculum and active campaigning in schools should be promoted.