Sociodemographic factors and their association with HIV risk behaviors among Indonesian females aged 15-24 years: a nationwide study

Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate the determinants of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) risk behaviors among Indonesian females aged 15-24 years from 2012 to 2017. Design and methods: Secondary data from the Indonesian Demographic and Health Survey conducted in 2012 and 2017 were analyzed and explored. A total of 23,210 respondents were included in the analysis, which focused on female individuals aged 15-24 years. Binary logistic regression was used to analyze the data. Results: Out of 23,210 females aged 15-24 years, HIV risk behaviors increased from 80.2 % in 2012 to 86.2 % in 2017. In 2012, HIV risk behaviors were associated with age (AOR: 1.38; 95 % CI: 1.27-1.51), education (AOR: 0.67; 95 % CI: 0.60-0.75), wealth quintiles (AOR: 1.21; 95 % CI: 1.05-1.39), employment (AOR: 1.10; 95 % CI: 1.01-1.20), sexual activity (AOR: 1.63; 95 % CI: 1.13-2.31), residence (AOR: 1.63; 95 % CI: 1.13-2.31), and visiting health facilities (AOR: 1.16; 95 % CI: 1.07-1.27). In 2017, HIV risk behaviors were associated with age (AOR: 1.24; 95 % CI: 1.13-1.37), education (AOR: 0.65; 95 % CI: 0.53-0.81), wealth quintiles (AOR: 1.30; 95 % CI: 1.14-1.48), employment (AOR: 1.11; 95 % CI: 1.02-1.19), and sexual activity (AOR: 1.17; 95 % CI: 1.30-2.44). Conclusion: The findings emphasize the intricate sociodemographic and related factors influencing HIV risk among Indonesian females aged 15-24 years and highlight the need for multifaceted interventions that consider these demographics in addressing HIV risk behaviors in this age group and population. Practice implications: Targeted interventions addressing specific sociodemographic and related factors are crucial for reducing HIV risk behaviors among Indonesian females aged 15-24. These interventions should be integrated into national health strategies, with a focus on improving healthcare access and providing comprehensive sexual education.