You have full access to this open access article. The study investigated the prevalence and determinants of multiple sexual partnerships among school-going adolescents. A secondary analysis of data from the Global School-Based Student Health Survey GSHS was conducted to determine the prevalence and determinants of multiple sexual partners among school-going adolescents aged 13—17 years in Benin.
The overall prevalence of multiple sexual partnerships was These approaches will contribute to achieving Sustainable Development Goals 3, target 3.
Transitioning from childhood to adulthood, known as the adolescent period age 10—19 years , is one of the most important life transitional stages. The adolescent population worldwide is estimated to be 1.
This stage of life is often characterised by physical, psychological, and social changes [ 27 , 40 , 65 ]. Physically, teenage girls developing breasts and boys developing larger testes and penises may get interested in how their bodies are evolving and how that affects sexual development [ 24 ]. Psychologically, teenagers may also begin to doubt their sexual orientation as they grow more conscious of their sensations and desires toward others.
Others struggle with self-esteem, early pregnancies, emotional abuse in relationships, and other challenges linked to their sexual health [ 34 , 50 ]. In contrast, socially, teenagers may feel pressured to partake in sexual activity because their friends are talking about their experiences. The experiences accompanying this transition can lead to heightened curiosity and enthusiasm about various aspects of life, including first sexual encounters. Early sexual activities typically have lifelong effects on the health and well-being of this young cohort of people [ 11 , 42 ].
