Gender differentials in adolescent sexual activity and reproductive health risks in Cameroon

Data were obtained from the 1996 Adolescent Reproductive Health Survey, a baseline survey conducted in the towns of Edea and Bafia. 55% of females and 70% of males were sexually experienced. The study examined gender differences in sexual initiation, unsafe sexual behavior, condom use, and sexually transmitted diseases and abortion. Explanatory variables included age, school enrollment, extent of discussion of sexual issues, views about females introducing condom use, and knowledge of sources of supply of condoms. Logistic techniques reveal that younger females were more likely than older females to have become sexually active by 15 years. Adolescents currently enrolled in school were less likely to have begun early sexual activity, particularly females. Females who discussed sexual issues with friends were more likely to initiate early sexual activity. 5% of females aged 12-17 years and 14% of males aged 12-17 years exchanged money or gifts for sex. A higher proportion of older adolescents had exchanges for sex. 5% of females aged 12-17 years and 16% of males aged 12-17 years had two or more regular sex partners. The proportion with multiple partners significantly increased with age. Around 40% of those aged 12-17 years had used condoms at least once. Condom use significantly increased with age. 9% of females aged 15-17 years and 20% of females aged 18-22 years had had an abortion. Risk of having a sexually transmitted disease in the previous year was higher for females among those with multiple casual partners and was higher for males with multiple regular partners. (POPLINE abstract)