Factors associated with sexual and reproductive health behaviour of street-involved young people: findings from a baseline survey in Southwest Nigeria

Abstract

Background

To achieve the Sustainable Development Goal 3, which is to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all persons of all ages, street-involved young people (SIYP) must be assured of universal access to sexual and reproductive healthcare. This study aims to determine the factors associated with age- and sex-specific differences in the sexual and reproductive health (SRH) behaviour of SIYP in southwest Nigeria.

Methods

This was a cross-sectional study that recruited 1505 SIYP aged 10–24 years by use of respondent-driven and time-location sampling. Data were collected through interviewer-administered questionnaires on socioeconomic characteristics; access to SRH information; contraceptive knowledge and use; sexual behavior; and sexual practice. The outcome variables were inconsistent condom use, multiple sexual partners, and transactional sex. Binomial regression analysis models were developed to determine risk indicators for outcome variables.

Results

Although 968 (64.3%) participants were sexually active and 1089 (72.4%) knew about modern contraception, only 300 (31.0%) sexually active respondents used modern contraceptives. Knowledge of modern contraception (AOR: 0.11; 95% C.I: 0.01–0.82, p = 0.03) and being employed (AOR: 0.38; 95% C.I: 0.15–0.95, p = 0.04) reduced the odds for inconsistent condom use among male SIYPs. For female SIYPs, knowledge of modern contraception reduced the odds for inconsistent condom use (AOR: 0.26; 95% C.I: 0.08–0.90, p = 0.03), whereas access to SRH information significantly increased the odds for inconsistent condom use (AOR: 5.06; 95% C.I: 1.67–15.37, p = 0.004).

Conclusion

Age- and sex- related factors associated with risky sexual behaviors vary among SIYP. Addressing these differences in the delivery of targeted interventions to reduce sexual health risk of SIYP may be required.