Early Sexual Initiation Among Adolescents in Public Secondary Schools in Parakou, Benin, 2024: Influences and Challenges 2MAKOUTODE Patrick, 2SALAMI Lamidhi, 1SALE Léïla, 1MAHOUGBE Glawdys Houéfa 1Institut de Formation en Soins Infirmiers et Obstétricaux (IFSIO), Université de Parakou, Bénin 2Institut Régional de Santé Publique (IRSP), Université d’Abomey-Calavi
1
System and Health policy, IRSP, Cotonou, Benin
Popul. Med. 2026;8(Supplement Supplement 1):A2329
ABSTRACT
ABSTRACT:
ABSTRAT
BACKGROUND:
Despite significant government investments in education and reproductive health programs in Benin, early pregnancies in schools remain alarmingly prevalent, with 2,763 pregnancies recorded among 301,821 enrolled girls during the 2016-2017 academic year, representing an incidence of 0.92%.
OBJECTIVE:
This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of early sexual initiation among adolescents aged 15 to 19 years in public general education secondary schools in Parakou, Benin, and to identify the individual and environmental factors associated with this phenomenon.
METHODS:
We conducted a descriptive cross-sectional study with analytical aims between November 18 and 29, 2024. The study population comprised 335 adolescents aged 15 to 19 years enrolled in public general education secondary schools in Parakou. For the purposes of this study, early sexual intercourse was operationally defined as any sexual activity occurring before age 16. Data were analyzed using binary multiple logistic regression with a stepwise ascending method, employing an entry probability of 0.05 and 95% confidence intervals. Model adequacy was verified using the Hosmer-Lemeshow test, ensuring the robustness of our findings.
RESULTS:
Our study revealed that 24.5% (95% CI: 20.1-29.3) of adolescents reported having had early sexual intercourse. The mean age of participants was 16.79 years (±1.39), with a balanced sex ratio. Multivariate analysis identified four significant factors independently associated with early sexual initiation. Grade repetition (PR = 1.98, p = 0.027,.Early puberty (PR = 6.72, p = 0.023), the influence of sexually active peers (PR = 1.83, p = 0.039), and the absence of sex education at school (PR = 2.87, p < 0.001). .
CONCLUSIONS:
The prevalence of early sexual initiation among school-going adolescents in Parakou remains substantially high at nearly one in four students. Importantly, these are largely modifiable factors identified that respond to targeted interventions, offering hope for effective prevention strategies.
ABSTRAT
BACKGROUND:
Despite significant government investments in education and reproductive health programs in Benin, early pregnancies in schools remain alarmingly prevalent, with 2,763 pregnancies recorded among 301,821 enrolled girls during the 2016-2017 academic year, representing an incidence of 0.92%.
OBJECTIVE:
This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of early sexual initiation among adolescents aged 15 to 19 years in public general education secondary schools in Parakou, Benin, and to identify the individual and environmental factors associated with this phenomenon.
METHODS:
We conducted a descriptive cross-sectional study with analytical aims between November 18 and 29, 2024. The study population comprised 335 adolescents aged 15 to 19 years enrolled in public general education secondary schools in Parakou. For the purposes of this study, early sexual intercourse was operationally defined as any sexual activity occurring before age 16. Data were analyzed using binary multiple logistic regression with a stepwise ascending method, employing an entry probability of 0.05 and 95% confidence intervals. Model adequacy was verified using the Hosmer-Lemeshow test, ensuring the robustness of our findings.
RESULTS:
Our study revealed that 24.5% (95% CI: 20.1-29.3) of adolescents reported having had early sexual intercourse. The mean age of participants was 16.79 years (±1.39), with a balanced sex ratio. Multivariate analysis identified four significant factors independently associated with early sexual initiation. Grade repetition (PR = 1.98, p = 0.027,.Early puberty (PR = 6.72, p = 0.023), the influence of sexually active peers (PR = 1.83, p = 0.039), and the absence of sex education at school (PR = 2.87, p < 0.001). .
CONCLUSIONS:
The prevalence of early sexual initiation among school-going adolescents in Parakou remains substantially high at nearly one in four students. Importantly, these are largely modifiable factors identified that respond to targeted interventions, offering hope for effective prevention strategies.
| eISSN: | 2654-1459 |
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