Factors Associated with Multiple Sexual Partnerships among Young Women in Southern African Countries: A Pooled Multilevel Analysis

Stephina Mbele, PhD student

Multiple sexual partnerships among young women are a problem which leads to an increase in HIV infection and sexually transmitted infections(STIs). Different studies have reported varying prevalence of multiple sexual partnerships in different regions, although the highest prevalence was found in Southern Africa. This paper focuses on young women (defined as those aged 15-24) Demographic Health Survey data, from six countries (Lesotho, Malawi, Namibia, South Africa, Zambia and Zimbabwe). The preliminary analysis shows that most of the young women engage in multiple sexual partnerships. South Africa and Lesotho had the highest prevalence of multiple sexual partnerships, while the lowest prevalence was reported in Malawi and Zimbabwe. The multivariate analysis showed that (i) marital status, (ii) educational level, (iii) employment status, (iv) STI history, (iv) wealth status, (v) place of residence and (vi) country were the strongest factors for multiple sexual partnerships.