Predictors of Sexual Risk Practices among Women of Childbearing Age in Sub-urban Communities of Rivers State, Nigeria

Aim: The study was carried out to explore the sexual risk practices of women of childbearing age in sub-urban communities of Rivers State, Nigeria in order to redirect programme interventions.

Study Design: The study utilized a quantitative household-based cross-sectional design to generate information among women of childbearing age.

Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted in five sub-urban communities in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State, Nigeria between December 2012 and February 2013.

Methodology: Study participants were recruited through the cluster sampling method and data analyzed using the SPSS version 20. Bivariate and multivariate analysis, using unconditional logistic regression was done with dependent and independent variables. A p≤ .05 was considered statistically significant.

Results: The majority of the women, 658 (85.6%) were sexually exposed, out of which 245 (37.2%) were involved in sexual risks: early sexual initiation (before 15 years), 110 (16.7%), participation in multiple sexual relationships, 85(12.9%), consumption of alcohol 195 (29.6%) or recreational drugs 39 (5.9%) before sex, and inconsistent use of condoms with casual sexual partners, 55 (22.4%). Logistic regression analysis confirmed that women in the age bracket (15-24 years) were 2.2 times more prone to sexual risk behaviours compared to women in (25-49 years) age bracket, [O.R (95% C.I) = 1.57 (1.11-2.23)], p= .01. Similarly, women currently unmarried: singles, widowed, separated, and divorced were 2.5 times more predisposed to sexual risks than currently married, [O.R (95% C.I) = 1.71 (1.19-2.47)], p= .00. Furthermore, adequate knowledge of HIV was protective against sexual risk behaviors, [A.O.R (95% C.I) = 0.68 (0.47 -0.95)], p= .02.

Conclusion: The study brings into focus the high prevalence of sexual risk behaviours among women in non-marital relationships and underscores the need to intensify HIV prevention education, condom programming and entrepreneurial skills at the community level for this vulnerable group.