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.