Prevalence and factors associated with intergenerational sexual partnerships among undergraduate health science students in Eswatini

Abstract

Background: Intergenerational sexual partnerships (IGSPs) put young people at an increased risk of sexually transmitted infec-tions (STIs) including HIV and AIDS. However, their burden and predictors remain poorly understood. Objective: To describe the prevalence and factors associated with IGSPs among undergraduate health science students at a selected tertiary institution in Eswatini (formerly Swaziland). Methods: Data were collected through a cross-sectional survey of 148 conveniently sampled undergraduate health science students at the University of Eswatini. Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to determine predictors of IGSPs (i.e. a 10-year or greater age disparity between heterosexual partners). Results: There was equal participation of males and females in this study (50%, n=74). The prevalence of IGSPs among the sample was 31.8% (n=47). Females (adjusted odds ratio, AOR = 0.08, 95% CI: 0.03-0.24) and those who received money from sexual partners (AOR = 0.08, 95% CI: 0.01-0.62) had lower odds of being in IGSPs. Conclusion: Being female and being a recipient of money from a sexual partner were negatively associated with IGSPs. The rel-atively high prevalene of IGSPs calls for health education campaigns targeting university students on the negative consequences associated with IGSPs, especially among young women.