Trends in Sexual Behavior of Young Kenyan Women

Shane Khan, ORC Macro

Early sexual initiation and unprotected sexual activity put young women at risk for unplanned pregnancy and HIV infection. Comparable indicators on such sexual behavior over time give policy makers the necessary information to assess behavior change and program effectiveness. Analysis of two Demographic and Health Surveys in Kenya for 1998 and 2003 show that the proportion of young women age 15-24 who have ever had sex and who had sex by age 14 decreased. Among sexually active young women, recent sexual activity also decreased from 1998 to 2003. Condom use at last sexual experience, however, remained stable at a relatively low level. These indicators tended to fluctuate across several differentials (such as residence and literacy subgroups) over the years indicating possible disparities in heath program reach and effectiveness. Continued analysis will show if trends and differences by various characteristics continue and the factors associated with these trends.