Date of Award

Fall 1-5-2018

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Public Health (MPH)

Department

Public Health

First Advisor

Monica Swahn, PhD

Second Advisor

Dora Il'yasova, PhD

Third Advisor

Rachel Culbreth, MPH

Abstract

Introduction:

Youth living in the slums of Kampala, Uganda are at an increased risk for engaging in alcohol use and risky sexual behaviors. Little is known about the association between religious affiliation and risky behaviors in this population. The purpose of this study was to examine the association between religious affiliation, risk factors, and protective factors for engaging in risky behaviors among vulnerable youth living in the slums of Kampala, Uganda.

Methods:

Analyses are based on a cross-sectional study of youth (n=1,143) between the ages of 12 and 18 years of age, living in the slums of Kampala, conducted in 2014. Risky behaviors were defined as binge drinking, inconsistent condom use, and engaging in sexual intercourse with high numbers of sexual partners. Crude and adjusted multinomial logistic regression analyses were conducted to examine factors associated with binge drinking, inconsistent condom use, and high numbers of sexual partners.

Results:

Engaging in binge drinking was associated with ever being homeless (AOR 9.5; 95% CI: 5.74, 15.75) and parental alcohol abuse (AOR 5.55; 95% CI: 3.39, 9.07). Youth identifying as Muslim were less likely to engage in binge drinking (AOR 0.49; 95% CI: 0.24, 0.97). Sexual intercourse with more than five sexual partners was associated with ever being homeless (AOR 6.39; 95% CI: 3.61, 11.31), parental domestic violence (AOR 1.83; 95% CI: 1.03, 3.25), and parental alcohol abuse (AOR 3.16; 95% CI: 1.81, 5.51). Inconsistent condom use was associated with ever being homeless (AOR 2.87; 95% CI 1.88, 4.38) and parental alcohol abuse (AOR 2.66; 95% CI 1.84, 3.82).

Discussion:

The reported prevalence of engaging in risky behaviors among at-risk youth within the slums of Kampala is associated with ever being homeless and parental alcohol abuse. Engaging in binge drinking was less likely among youth identifying as Muslim.

DOI

https://doi.org/10.57709/11198216

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