Age at first sex and HIV infection in rural Zimbabwe

Hallett, Timothy B., Lewis, James J.C. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8603-2761, Lopman, Ben A., Nyamukapa, Constance A., Mushati, Phyllis, Wambe, Mainford, Garnett, Geoffrey P. and Gregson, Simon 2007. Age at first sex and HIV infection in rural Zimbabwe. Studies in Family Planning 38 (1) , pp. 1-10. 10.1111/j.1728-4465.2007.00111.x

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Abstract

Beginning sexual activity introduces an individual to the risk of acquiring sexually transmitted infections. In this study, cross-sectional behavioral data linked to HIV-status from 4,138 men and 4,948 women interviewed in rural Zimbabwe are analyzed to investigate the distribution and consequences of early first sex. We find that age at first sex (at a median age of 19 years for males and 18 years for females) has declined among males over the past 30 years but increased recently among females. Those in unskilled employment, those not associated with a church, and women without a primary education begin to have sex earlier than others. Early sexual debut before marriage precedes a lifetime of greater sexual activity but with more consistent condom use. Women who begin to have sex earlier than others of their age are more likely to be infected with HIV. This finding can be explained by their having a greater lifetime number of sexual partners than those whose first sexual experience occurs later.

Item Type:	Article
Date Type:	Published Online
Status:	Published
Schools:	Social Sciences (Includes Criminology and Education)
Publisher:	Wiley
ISSN:	0039-3665
Last Modified:	20 Jun 2024 11:21
URI:	https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/169529

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