Conference abstract
Determinants of risky sexual behavior among women in Ukraine: condom use at first sexual intercourse
Savchuk, Valentyna; Barska, Julia
BACKGROUND: Sexually transmitted infections (STI) create a great hazard to public health. STIs occur mostly as a result of different types of risky sexual behavior, such as early sexual debut, unprotected sexual intercourses, alcohol use during sex, multiple partnership etc. Condoms are known to provide the best protection against negative consequences of risky sexual behavior. In this study we aimed to determine factors associated with condom use at first sexual intercourses by women in Ukraine.
METHODS: Secondary analysis of data of the 2007 Ukraine Demographic and Health Survey was conducted. Responses of 883 sexually experienced women aged 15–24 were included in the analysis. Associations between condom use at first sex and independent variables were assessed using multivariate binary logistic regression.
RESULTS: Light (less than 3,5 drinks per week) and heavy (3,5 drinks per week or more) drinkers were more likely to use condoms at first sexual intercourse compared to abstainers or occasional drinkers (OR 1,83 (CI 1,32-2,53) and 2,21 (CI 1,43-3,42), respectively). Besides that, women from households with above average income had 1,65 (CI 1,17-2,33) higher odds to use condoms at sexual debut in comparison to women from households with lower income. Women who read printed media at least once a week had twice (CI 1,36-2,94) as high odds of using condoms at first intercourse as women who read newspapers or magazines rare. Non-Western region of residence and sexual partner of about the same age were positively associated with condom use as well.
CONCLUSIONS: Wealthy young adults from industrially developed regions are active users of condoms during sexual debut, which is to be accounted for in determining target groups for social policy in Ukraine.
KEY WORDS: risky sexual behavior, sexually transmittable infections, young people
Abstract (pdf)
