Risky sexual behaviour and its determinants among undergraduate students residing in hostels of Kathmandu Metropolitan City, Nepal: a cross-sectional study.

Abstract

To assess the prevalence of risky sexual behaviour (RSB) and its associated factors among Nepalese undergraduates residing in hostels of Kathmandu Metropolitan City, Nepal. Cross-sectional study SETTING: Hostels operating inside Kathmandu Metropolitan City were taken as the study setting. A total of 361 undergraduate students residing in hostels in the Metropolitan City OUTCOME MEASURES: RSB was the outcome measure assessed using nine questions able to trace any risky sexual practice practiced by the participants within the past year prior to data collection. The question included participants' engagement in sexual activity before the age of consent, having unprotected vaginal sex even when pregnancy is not intended, engaging in vaginal sex with strangers without a condom, risky oral sex with a stranger and/or intimate partner, risky condom use, having multiple sex partners, having sex under the influence of alcohol and having sex with commercial sex workers. A positive response to any of these nine questions was considered indicative of RSB. Pearson's χ² test and multivariable logistic regression analysis were performed to determine factors associated with RSB at the 5% level of significance. The prevalence of RSB was found to be 35.7% (95% CI: 30.2 to 40.2). RSB was found to be associated with higher age (≥25 years) (aOR: 3.938; 95% CI: 1.707 to 8.673), male gender (aOR: 3.233; 95% CI: 1.623 to 6.439), being in relationships in the past/current (aOR: 3.914, 95% CI: 2.099 to 7.012), lower education of mother (aOR: 3.655; 95% CI: 1.189 to 9.237) and peer pressure to have a sexual relationship (aOR: 2.356; 95% CI: 1.260 to 4.349). Notably, bivariate analysis illustrated problematic pornographic consumption to have a statistical relation with RSB, which was weakened and became non-significant after accounting for other factors in the adjusted model (aOR:1.213, 95% CI: 0.331 to 4.442). RSB is a concerning behaviour among undergraduate students and is linked with age, gender, relationship status, parental education and peer pressure. There is a need for comprehensive sex education programmes that equip students with the knowledge and skills needed to navigate healthy relationships, make safe choices and embrace responsible sexual practices.