Exploring the association between risky sexual behaviors and substance use among Jimma university students, Ethiopia

Background: Youths in colleges have special and complex needs, with extremely high rates of sexual behaviors, mental health problems, and drug misuse. Despite this, the causal relations remain to be elucidated. Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the association between risky sexual behaviors (RSBs) and substance use among Jimma University students, Ethiopia, 2016. Materials and Methods: A quantitative cross-sectional study was conducted among 700 sampled students. Participants were drawn using a multistage stratified random sampling technique. Data were collected using a pretested, self-administered questionnaire. Alcohol use disorder identification test tool was used to assess alcohol use and for RSBs, and Khat uses questionnaires that were developed after an extensive review of the literature. Data were entered into Epi-data data management software and exported to SPSS version 20 for statistical analysis. Multivariable logistic regression was used for analysis and Variables at P < 0.05, and a 95% confidence level was used to declare statistical association. Results: The prevalence of RSB among students was found 30.2%. The odds of RSB were nearly three times higher among those who had probable alcohol use disorder than their counterpart (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 2.9, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.4–6.1); similarly, the odds of RSB were nearly three times higher among those who had to chew Khat 2–4 times a month than never chewed counterpart (AOR 2.8, 95% CI: 1.1–7.7). Conclusion: The prevalence of RSB and substance use among Jimma University students was high and positively associated.