Alcohol Uptake and Risky Sexual Behaviours Among Adolescents :

Abstract

This was a study to determine the relationship between alcohol uptake and risky sexual behaviors among adolescents in Kamwokya slum a suburb of Kampala. The major objective of the study was to determine the relationship between alcohol uptake and risky sexual behaviors, and the specific objectives were: To determine the prevalence of alcohol uptake among adolescents in Kamwokya. To identify the risky sexual behavior among adolescents of Kamwokya. To establish the relationship between alcohol uptake and risky sexual behavior among adolescents of Kamwokya. Methodology: a cross-sectional descriptive study was carried out in Kamwokya slum, Kampala district with a catchment population of approximately 75,000 adolescents. A clustered random sampling was used, followed by simple random sampling of eligible adolescents so as to gain the proportionate sample size. The target sample size was 138 respondents. Quantitative data was collected using a structured questionnaire administered by researchers. Findings: The prevalence of alcohol among adolescents is consistent across a broad spectrum of the adolescent population as well as the risky sexual behavior, Conclusion: Alcohol uptake is strongly associated with risky sexual behavior in the adolescent population of Kamwokya. The recommendations include; need to formulate strategies to enable adolescents make responsible decisions in relation to alcohol consumption and sexual behavior. Further there should be education interventions highlighting the dangers of multiple sexual partners, and use of alcohol before sex.