Exploring the factors associated with early sexual debut among young women in Kinshasa: evidence from two cross-sectional studies

Abstract

Background Early sexual debut among young women in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), represents a complex and multifaceted issue that carries significant implications for a range of factors including individual health and social dynamics. Aim This research seeks to illuminate the factors influencing early sexual debut among young women in Kinshasa. Method The analysis involved 1,352 young women using a chi-square test at p < 0.05 and 95% CI for categorical variables. A mixed-effects multilevel binary logistic regression identified determinants of early sexual debut, showing adjusted odds ratios (AOR) and related factors, with 95% CI. Result The prevalence of early sexual debut among respondents aged 15-24 years was 16.3% with an average current age of 16.6 years. Being aged 20-24 years [AOR = 1.40, CI;1-1.97], cohabiting with a partner [AOR = 0.46, CI;0.31-0.69] or being married [AOR = 0.43, CI; 0.25-0.76], tertiary education [AOR = 7.91, CI; 3.11-20.08], high wealth index [AOR = 1.78, CI; 1.18-2.2], were significantly associated with early sexual debut. The analysis showed minimal differences across clusters, suggesting that individual factors predominantly shape attitudes towards sexual debut, while community-level attributes play a lesser role in predicting these attitudes. Conclusion The analysis showed minimal differences across clusters, suggesting that individual factors predominantly shape attitudes towards sexual debut, while community-level attributes play a lesser role in predicting these attitudes. Furthermore, reinforcing the legal marriage and providing resources to support single and cohabiting women in delaying sexual commitments can significantly mitigate early initiation.