Assessment of youth sexuality and associated health risk factors: the case of St. Mary’s University undergraduate students

Abstract

This study aimed to assessment of youth sexuality and associated health risk factors the case of St. Mary’s university undergraduate students.” Students of private higher learning institutions are with multiple health risks in the life at younger age. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 200 randomly selected undergraduate students from st marry universities from December 2022 to April 2024. Study participants were selected using random sampling technique Interviewers and structured questionnaire was used to collect the data. Findings include a predominantly female population 62.9 with a significant portion in the 18-20 age group 70.4. of youth sexuality and associated health risks reveal notable rates of alcohol consumption 41.2 and khat chewing 26.3 while smoking prevalence is relatively low 10.3 Sexual activity is reported by 13.5 of respondents, with condom use at 45.5 among sexually active individuals. Conclusion. the finding of this study identified that significant numbers of students engaged in health risky sexual factors in their lifetime. Regarding the university’s role in addressing youth sexuality and related health risks, the study indicated that the university has not ever done its homework in this regard and the student don’t have access to information about youth sexuality to make informed decisions and make a health transit. Therefore, understanding the factors with sexuality and associated health risk factors is important for implementing comprehensive interventions and prevent multiple risk factors among private university students