Exploring the Relationship between Internet Use and Risky Sexual Behaviors among Unmarried Adolescents and Young Females in Sub-Saharan Africa: Insights from DHS Data

Adolescents and young women in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) face disproportionately high rates of HIV infection and unintended pregnancy. As Internet access accelerates across SSA, its implications for adolescent sexual health demand urgent scrutiny. This correspondence examines the association between Internet use and risky sexual behaviours (RSBs) amongst 5920 unmarried, sexually active females aged 15-34, using Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) data from nine countries: Burkina Faso, Côte d'Ivoire, Ghana, Kenya, Lesotho, Madagascar, Mozambique, Rwanda and Tanzania. Data analysis employed logistic regression methods using R version 4.4.2. The prevalence of RSB was higher amongst Internet users (46.2% vs. 35.7%). It was as high as 72.2% in Lesotho, as low as 21% in Ghana. Internet users were 26% (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.26, 95% confidence interval [CI] = [1.09-1.45]) more likely to engage in RSBs. Additional drivers included age, media exposure, non-marital fertility, residence and country-specific factors. Relative to Kenya, elevated odds were found in Lesotho (aOR = 2.54, 95% CI = [1.88-3.46]), Burkina Faso (aOR = 2.13, 95% CI = [1.61-2.81]), Mozambique (aOR = 1.64 [1.26-2.13]) and Rwanda (aOR = 1.90, 95% CI = [1.35-2.70]). While digital platforms hold promise for expanding sexual education, these findings underscore the need for targeted content oversight and culturally responsive interventions to mitigate online health risks.