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Yoon Shwe Yee Hlaing. Factors associated with sexual behaviors among youths in Myanmar. Master's Degree(). Chiang Mai University. Library. : Chiang Mai University, 2568.
Factors associated with sexual behaviors among youths in Myanmar
Abstract:
Background: Youths aged 1524 constitute 28% of Myanmars population and are increasingly vulnerable to adverse sexual health outcomes, including unintended pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections (STIs), such as HIV/AIDS. Despite this, studies on nationally representative data on the factors influencing their sexual behaviors are limited. This study aimed to explore the socio-demographic characteristics, lifestyle factors, knowledge of HIV/ AIDS and STIs, knowledge of contraception and sexual behaviors among youths in Myanmar by describing frequencies and percentages and to determine the factors influencing sexual behaviors among youths in Myanmar. Methods: A secondary data analysis was conducted using the nationally representative Myanmar Demographic and Health Survey (MDHS) 201516. A total weighted sample of 4,573 youths aged 1524 was included. Descriptive statistics were used to determine the frequency and percentage distributions of variables. Chi-square tests, univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were applied to examine associations and predictors of four key sexual behavior outcomes: abstinence, early age of first sex, current contraceptive use, and paying for sex. Statistical significance was set at p<0.05. Adjusted Odds Ratios (AORs) and 95% Confidence Intervals (CIs) were calculated.Results: Among the 4,573 respondents, 71.2% reported abstinence. Of the 1,318 sexually active youths, 47.0% had an early age of first sex (before 18 years). Among those sexually active, 54.0% reported current contraceptive use. Among the 319 sexually active male youths, 8.1% reported paying for sex. Multivariable logistic regression revealed several significant factors: Abstinence: Being younger (1519 years ; AOR=0.13, 95% CI: 0.11-0.16), female (AOR=0.69, 95% CI: 0.5-0.86), and currently using tobacco products (AOR=0.54, 95% CI: 0.37-0.77) were associated with lower odds of abstinence. Higher education (AOR=2.24, 95% CI: 1.78-2.81), employment (AOR=1.55, 95% CI: 1.26-1.91), higher wealth index (richest AOR=2.73, 95% CI: 1.84-4.05), and mass media exposure (AOR=1.24, 95% CI: 1.01-1.53) were associated with higher odds of abstinence. Early Age of First Sex: Being female (AOR=2.50, 95% CI: 1.51-4.12) and current tobacco use (AOR=1.85, 95% CI: 1.01-3.39) were associated with higher odds. Higher education (AOR=0.62, 95% CI: 0.43-0.89), higher wealth index (richest AOR=0.32, 95% CI: 0.18-0.58), and moderate to high contraception knowledge (moderate AOR=0.57, 95% CI: 0.37-0.88 ; high AOR=0.50, 95% CI: 0.30-0.83) were associated with lower odds. Current Contraceptive Use: Being female (AOR=1.78, 95% CI: 1.16-2.74) and currently married (AOR=2.78, 95% CI: 1.43-5.40) were associated with higher odds of contraception. The low rates of consistent contraceptive use and high-risk behaviors such as early sexual initiation and transactional sex call for evidence-based, and youthsensitive interventions. National policies should prioritize comprehensive sexuality education, improved access to youth-friendly SRH services, and targeted communication through mass media to promote healthy behaviors and reduce HIV/STI risk. Keywords: Sexual behavior, Youths, Myanmar, HIV/AIDS, STIs, Abstinence, Early age of first sex, Current contraceptive use, Paying for sex, Influencing factors contraceptive use. Being widowed, divorced, no longer living together/separated status (AOR=0.11, 95% CI: 0.03-0.35) and residing in hilly, coastal, or plains regions were associated with lower odds. High HIV/AIDS knowledge was also associated with higher odds of contraceptive use (AOR=1.48, 95% CI: 1.01-2.18). Paying for Sex: Being single (AOR=0.02, 95% CI: 0.01-0.09), and being in the richest wealth quintile were associated with lower odds (AOR=0.09, 95% CI: 0.01-0.86). Moderate to high contraception knowledge was associated with significantly higher odds (AOR=7.69, 95% CI: 1.95-30.24). Conclusion: Sexual behaviors among Myanmar youths are significantly influenced by age, sex, marital status, education, lifestyle habits, and knowledge of HIV and