Effect of early sexual initiation on early high fertility, termination of pregnancy and child death in Ethiopia using Ethiopian DHS 2000-2016

Background: Early sexual initiation is defined as an experience of first sexual intercourse before the age of 18 years. Young girls in sub-Saharan countries initiate sex at early age and are suffering from unintended pregnancy, and related sexual and reproductive health problems. Objectives: To assess the association of early sexual intercourse with early high birth rate, abortion and under-five child death among young girls in Ethiopia. Methods: This study used the Ethiopian Demographic Health Survey (EDHS) data from 2000 to 2016. A total of 12,002 sexually active young women aged 15-24 years pool data were used. Binary logistic regression model was used to assess the association between dependent (early sexual initiation) and independent variables and presented using adjusted odd ratio with 95% CI. Results: Young girls started sexual intercourse as early as 10 years. The young women with high birth rate [4.74, 95% CI (3.53-6.37)], those ever terminated pregnancy [1.77, 95% CI (1.25-2.52)], and had child death history [1.48, 95% CI (1.15-1.91)] were positively associated with early sexual intercourse. Conclusion: Early sexual initiation among young women is associated with early motherhood, high fertility, child death and poor reproductive health outcomes. Education program on contraceptives and condom accessibility are critical. Keywords: Early sexual intercourse; consequences; Ethiopia.