Family Environment and Experience of Sexually Transmitted Infections among Young People in Sub-Saharan African Countries

Abstract

There is paucity of information on how family environment shapes sexual health outcomes of young people in sub-Saharan Africa countries. While most studies focused on the relationship between individual, household and community characteristics and sexual behaviour, there is limited information on a multi-country analysis of these phenomena. Hence, this study examined the influence of family environment on experience of sexually transmitted infections among young people in sub-Saharan Africa. This study used nationally representative secondary data sets of selected countries in SSA where sexual and reproductive health outcomes are deplorable. Information on sexual and reproductive health issues, socio-demographic, economic and other population-related characteristics were extracted from the data sets. The countries included Nigeria, Namibia, Malawi and DR Congo, representing each bloc of the sub-region. Results showed high prevalence of experience of sexually transmitted infections in DR Congo (9.3%). and lowest in Malawi (1.2%), multiple sexual partnerships was highest in DR Congo (55.7%) and lowest in Nigeria (22.5%) and condom use among sexually active young people was lowest in Malawi (11.0%) and highest in Namibia (50.7%). In Namibia, age (OR=4.25; C.I=1.24-14.54), primary education in Nigeria (OR=2.52; C.I=1.10-5.79), rural residence in Nigeria (OR=0.53; C.I=0.33-0.84), female-headed households in Namibia (OR=0.39; C.I=0.17-0.87), moderately deprived households in Nigeria (OR=2.59; C.I=1.31-4.73), multiple sexual partnerships in Nigeria (OR=2.24; C.I=1.42-3.51) and age at first sexual intercourse in DR Congo (OR=0.52; C.I=0.33-0.83) were significantly associated with experience of STIs among young people in SSA. Policies should focus on family-based interventions and strengthening of youth-friendly sexual and reproductive health interventions.