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. This research seeks to illuminate the factors influencing early sexual debut among young women in Kinshasa. 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. 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. 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. This study explores the factors influencing early sexual debut (first sexual experience before age 15) among young women in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo. This research aims to inform policies and programs that can improve the health and well-being of young women in Kinshasa by addressing the factors associated with early sexual debut. The survey of 1,352 women indicated that among women aged 15–24 years, the prevalence of early sexual debut was 16.3%. The mean current age of respondents was 20.6 years (SD = 2.4). The mean age at sexual debut was 16.6 years (SD = 2.1). The youngest reported age at sexual debut was 10 years. Key findings show that older young women (20–24 years) were more likely to have early sexual debut compared to younger ones (15–19 years). Surprisingly, those with higher education (university level) were significantly more likely to start sexual activity early, possibly due to peer influence or urban exposure. Wealthier young women also had higher rates of early sexual debut, likely linked to greater independence or access to social networks. On the other hand, married or cohabiting women were less likely to have early sexual initiation, possibly because they waited for stable relationships. The study highlights that individual factor like age, education, and wealth play a bigger role in early sexual debut than community influences. To address this issue, the researchers suggest strengthening laws that protect young women, promoting sexual health education, and supporting economic opportunities to help delay early sexual activity.
Ingoma et al. (Thu,) studied this question.