Factors affecting Premarital Sex among Nepalese Undergraduates
Journal Title: Journal of Public Health and Development - Year 2023, Vol 21, Issue 2
Abstract
Premarital sex is considered a social taboo and an immoral act in Nepal. However, there is a widespread view that young men and women are becoming more at ease in each other's company and beginning sexual experiences prior to marriage, putting them at risk of the consequences of unsafe sex. This research aims to evaluate the factors associated with premarital sexual behavior and its consequences among Nepalese college-going adolescents and youths. This cross-sectional web-based study included 415 Nepalese students over the age of 18 who were enrolled in a bachelor's degree program in a discipline other than health science. Data was collected from students online using a self-administered structured questionnaire. Pearson's chi-square (χ2) and logistic regressions were used to examine the relationship between the independent and outcome variables. Most participants (61.7%) had dating experience and 21.2% had premarital sex. About three-fourths (76.1%) of participants had premarital sex before the ageof 20 years and the ages of sexual debut ranged from 13 to 25 years. The major reasons for sexual debut were desire, curiosity, continuation of love relationship, and peer pressure. One-third of students (33.0%) reported having more than two sex partners,and 11.4% had intercourse with commercial sex workers. Among students who had premarital sex, 13.7% of participants or their sex partners, had to undergo abortions because of unintended pregnancies. Having an illiterate parent (AOR=11.0; 95% CI=2.01-60.87), high pocket money (AOR=4.2; 95% CI=1.1-16.2), increased dating culture (AOR=18.8; 95% CI=4.8-74.2), a close friend who has experienced premarital sex (AOR=5.2; 95% CI=2.21-12.21), and exposure to pornography (AOR=97.87; 95% CI= 9.5-10001.4) were predictors of premarital sex among Nepalese college students. This demonstrates the importance of sex and relationship education programs led by qualified peer educators in educating young people about safe sexual activity.Keywords:consequences; factors; Nepal; students; premarital sexCitation: Anil Paudel,Awijit Neupane,Santosh Khadka,Laxmi Adhikari,Shishir Paudel,Maheshor Kaphle. Factors affecting Premarital Sex among Nepalese Undergraduates. J Public Hlth Dev. 2023;21(1):152-167 (https://doi.org/10.55131/jphd/2023/210212)ORIGINALARTICLE
Authors and Affiliations
Anil Paudel, Awijit Neupane, Santosh Khadka, Laxmi Adhikari, Shishir Paudel, Maheshor Kaphle
Keywords
Related Articles
- EP ID EP718607
- DOI 10.55131/jphd/2023/210213
- Views 82
- Downloads 0
Effectiveness of “Duet Me”: a quasi-experimental study assessing the impact of a mobile phone mini-game on enhancing tobacco knowledge among Thai adolescents
Tobacco use poses a significant health risk to the Thai population, contributing to serious illnesses such as cancer and lung disease while also increasing the risk of tuberculosis. This six-month quasi-experimental stud...
The Effects of d-Camphor Inhalation on Psychophysiological Parameters among Healthy Participants
This study aims to investigate the effects of d-camphor inhalation on psychophysiological parameters among healthy participants. Twenty-four healthy volunteers participated in the trials. d-Camphor was administered to d...
Development of a capacity-building program for older adults on health management and promotion for older adults in urban communities, Bangkok Metropolis
Development of a capacity-building program for older adults in health management and promotion is necessary for readiness for the complete-aged society in Thailand. Little is known about programs that reinforce older ad...
Effect of the oral health care program (FUNDEE) on the oral health care behavior status of elderly ethnic groups living in rural areas: a quasi-experimental study
The oral health of elderly people plays a major role in their overall health and quality of life and is an integral part of personal care. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of implementing the oral health...
The effect of telemedicine plus application on the covid-19 patients’ quality of life
The covid-19 pandemic affects human life quality. The consultations between patients and health workers are carried out online using telemedicine to stop transmission. This research aimed to assign the effect of the Tele...