TITLE:
Factors Associated with Youth Sexuality in Secondary Schools in the City of Uvira in the Democratic Republic of Congo
AUTHORS:
Derrick Bushobole Akiba, Deo Harimenshi, Diane Muantama Balimo, Edmond Ntabe Namegabe, Guy Musemakweli Mushute, Cadeau Matabishi Kawawa, Faustin Bukuru Mudage, Aloise Fataki Nondo, Gertrude Zabibu Masumbuko, Eric Amuri Madabali, Aimé Muhinduka Somi, Abel Asende Luhendama, Christian Banyakwa Mitunda, Henry Manya Mboni, Criss Koba Mjumbe
KEYWORDS:
Sexuality among Young People, Sexual Behaviors, Factors Associated with Sexuality, School Environment, Secondary Schools, Uvira, DR Congo
JOURNAL NAME:
Advances in Sexual Medicine,
Vol.15 No.3,
July
8,
2025
ABSTRACT: Introduction: It is true that the entry into active sexual life of adolescents and young people represents a very decisive but also very difficult step for almost all young people and adolescents. The objective of this study is to determine the factors that are directly associated with the sexuality of young people in secondary schools in the city of Uvira in South Kivu and the related consequences. Methods: This is a cross-sectional, descriptive, and analytical observational study covering the period from January to July 2024. It involved 663 (single) secondary school students in 9 major schools in the city of Uvira in South Kivu, Democratic Republic of Congo. Data were analyzed using STATA 15 software and Kobocollect was used to collect the data. Results: The prevalence of sexually active youth is 73% [69% - 76%]. 86.2% of young people had sexual intercourse with more than one partner, of all contraceptives the pill was most used at 31.89%, followed by the condom at 21.60%. Social networks/Internet occupied the first place with 70.16%, bad company followed with 68.3% and television (films showing nudity) at 29.2% were factors exposing young people to the desire to have sexual intercourse. Because of sexual intercourse, 81.4% of young people could have contracted sexually transmitted diseases (STDs/STIs), 29.2% contracted early and unwanted pregnancies, 13.99% could have resorted to clandestine abortion and 15.64% had been excluded from school. Age, place of origin of students, religion, and the need to dress properly at all costs were factors statistically associated with sexual activity among young people. Conclusion: promote sex education among young people in their respective families and in the school environment to enable young people to make thoughtful and responsible decisions regarding their sexual and reproductive health.