Abstract
Background
Sexual behaviors among young adults, particularly those aged 15–24, have an increased susceptibility to sexually transmitted infections, HIV, and unintended pregnancies. This vulnerability is heightened among students in Higher Learning Institutions due to factors like reduced parental oversight, transient lifestyles, and peak sexual activity years. Research indicates that, despite awareness, contextual influences like economic coercion and peer pressure hinder healthy behavior adoption. This population group faces challenges due to newfound autonomy, diverse social environments, and sexual activity.
Methods
A qualitative descriptive study explored the experiences of sexual behavior practices among adolescent girls and young women from two universities in Dodoma. Data were collected using in-depth interviews with 13 participants aged 19 to 24 years. Thematic analysis was done to identify themes and sub-themes.
Results
Nine sub-themes were identified, such as consensual first sexual experience, traumatic first sexual experience, consistent condom use, communication challenges regarding condom use, abortion, and reproductive health, casual sexual relationships and encounters, transactional sexual relationships, sex under the influence of alcohol, and sexual risky behavior in nightlife. Five themes, namely contrast sexual debut, condom use communication, sexual and reproductive health challenges, non-committal sexual practices, and inebriated promiscuity, were then derived.
Conclusion
The study’s findings emphasize the importance of comprehensive sexual education programs in higher learning institutions in lower and middle-income countries. It advocates for improved access to sexual and reproductive health services and peer support. It also highlights the need for reinforced policies against sexual coercion and harassment and sustained research on sexual behaviors among Adolescent Girls and Young Women.