Youths' Perceptions Of The Relation Between Alcohol Consumption And Risky Sexual Behaviour in the Western Cape, South Africa: A Qualitative Study

Age at first sex and other determinants of multiple sexual partnerships among sexually active adolescent girls in Ghana: a regression analysis of the 2022 Ghana demographic and health survey

BACKGROUND

Early sexual debut is a widely recognized public health issue due to its influence on lifetime multiple sexual partners which can lead to complications such as teenage pregnancy, abortion, HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted infections. However, there is paucity of research evidence on sexual behaviour such as age at first sexual intercourse and the number of sexual partnerships among adolescent girls in Ghana. This study aims to examine the influence of age at first sexual intercourse and other determinants on multiple sexual partnerships among adolescent girls aged 15-19 years in Ghana.

METHODS

Data for this study were obtained from the 2022 Ghana Demographic and Health Survey (GDHS) conducted between October 17, 2022 and January 14, 2023. A total weighted sample of 719 sexually active adolescent girls who reported having sexual partners was extracted from the women's data file. Data were analyzed with SPSS version 27, employing multilevel logistics regression modelling. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05.

RESULTS

The average age at sexual debut for adolescent girls aged 15-19 years in Ghana is 15.5 years. A little over half (51.6%) of adolescent girls reported having two or more lifetime sexual partners. Adolescent girls who initiated sex before reaching age 15 were more likely (aOR = 2.00; C.I 1.39-2.87) to have multiple partners compared to those who had their first sex before attaining age 20. After controlling for other factors, girls who had their sexual debut before age 15 had higher odds (aOR = 1.85; C.I:1.30-3.31) of engaging in multiple sexual partnerships. Girls living female headed households (aOR = 2.25; C.I:1.18-4.29] and consuming alcohol (aOR = 2.38; C.I 2.38-1.09-5.17) had higher odds of having multiple sexual partners.

CONCLUSION

The study findings show that early sexual debut, living in female headed household, and consuming alcohol are strong predictors of multiple sexual partnerships among adolescent girls in Ghana. It suggests the need for policies promoting delayed sexual debut and empowering adolescents to make informed decisions to improve sexual health outcomes.

Alcohol Consumption and Cardiovascular Disease: A Narrative Review of Evolving Perspectives and Long-Term Implications

Cardiovascular illnesses remain the primary cause of death, accounting for at least 17.9 million fatalities per year and posing a significant public health problem because of its extensive predominance and effect on healthcare systems. The etiology of cardiovascular disease is complex and involves several environmental and lifestyle factors. Alcohol use is a highly important determinant because of its dual-edged effect on cardiovascular health. Multiple studies indicate that moderate alcohol consumption may have certain advantages, such as slight enhancements in lipid profiles. Conversely, excessive alcohol intake is associated with serious negative consequences, including cardiomyopathy, hypertension, arrhythmias, and even mortality. The aim of this study is to provide a comprehensive analysis of the several effects of alcohol on cardiovascular health and their understanding within the medical field over time. It uses an interpretative narrative review methodology and analyzes studies that focus on genetic risk factors, gender differences, and shifts in paradigms in recent years. This article highlights the need for obtaining a thorough understanding of the effects of alcohol on cardiovascular health to support public health guidelines and clinical practice, and it underscores the significance of including alcohol consumption into the broader context of cardiovascular risk management and identifies important subjects for further study.

Unveiling the Path: A Qualitative Study on the Initial Sexual Experiences of Cambodian Adolescents

INTRODUCTION

There still remains a significant gap in understanding the sexual and reproductive health challenges faced by adolescents, particularly in the context of early sexual activity, teenage pregnancy, and sexually transmitted diseases. This study seeks to fill this gap by exploring the initial sexual experiences of Cambodian adolescents, highlighting the complex interplay of cultural, social, and personal influences that shape their sexual health decisions and outcomes.

METHODOLOGY

A descriptive qualitative research design was used. Thirty Cambodian adolescents were interviewed from March to June 202 and data were analyzed using thematic analysis.

RESULTS

Participants met their sexual partners in school and through friendships and social networking sites. Their motivations for sexual activities ranged from intrinsic desires to influences of inebriation, love, and trust. Consent was crucial but some were influenced by partners. Awareness of sexual protection varied, affecting condom use and information-seeking behaviors. After initial encounters, participants grappled with complex emotions and physical changes.

DISCUSSION

The findings suggest the need for educational interventions that address substance use; promote safe behavior, consensual conduct, open communication, and mutual respect; and provide coping strategies.

Alcohol Use as a Predictor of Risky Sexual Behaviour among Young Adults in the Western Cape Province of South Africa

The aim of this study was to investigate the relation between alcohol consumption and risky sexual behaviour (RSB). This study further aimed to examine whether alcohol use, gender, and employment status predicted RSB among young adults in the Cape Flats. A better understanding of these predictors could potentially lead to a more thorough comprehension of the relation between alcohol consumption and RSB among young adults within the South African context. The study employed a cross-sectional correlational survey design, with a sample of 1001 participants aged 18 to 25 (51% women), using the street-intercept method. Participants were selected using purposive sampling, with age and geographical location employed as inclusion criteria. We used the Self-Report Risky Sexual Behaviours Scale (SRSBS) and the Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test (AUDIT), which were cognitively tested and modified, in English and Afrikaans. The data were analysed via multivariate multiple regression analysis in Stata. The key findings indicate that alcohol consumption is an important predictor of RSB. Alcohol consumption accounted for 23.22% of the variation in RSB. We also found that alcohol consumption and gender were significant (p < 0.1) predictors of RSB, but not employment status (p > 0.01). Being a woman decreased RSB. The model indicates that alcohol use and gender explain 18.41% of the variance in RSB. This study provides support for the growing body of research evidence that has established a significant link between alcohol consumption and RSB, highlighting the need for longitudinal research to determine patterns of risky drinking in the general population.

Preferences, educational messaging, and demand creation channels for multipurpose-prevention technologies (MPTs) among women in South Africa

BACKGROUND

South African women, including female sex workers (FSWs), are disproportionately affected by HIV, experience a high unmet need for contraception and high rates of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Products that address the interlinked risk between HIV, unplanned pregnancy, and other STIs are needed. There are several multipurpose-prevention technologies (MPTs) in development, aimed at preventing both HIV and pregnancy. This study aimed to explore educational messaging and demand creation channels to improve the potential uptake of a hypothetical MPT implant, using participatory action research. It also aimed to look at product and service provision attributes preferred by potential end users.

METHODS

Between July and August 2022, 303 PrEP-eligible adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) (18-24 years), women > 24 years, and FSW's (≥ 18 years) participated in 4-hour workshops, where they were asked about their ideal messaging and demand creation channels and their preferences for different attributes of an MPT implant. Quantitative descriptive analysis was conducted to determine the frequency and ranking for each demand creation message, channel, and each product and service provision attribute, by population group. A chi-square test was used to assess MPT implant characteristics associated with age. Qualitative data were analysed using deductive and thematic analysis.

RESULTS

A total of 104 AGYW, 157 women > 24 years, and 42 FSWs participated in the PAR workshops. Participants preferred demand creation messages that were empowering, motivational and encouraged body autonomy. The use of slang was popular. Community radio stations and newspapers, social media, and information at hospitals and clinics were participants' preferred MPT demand creation channels because they were easily accessible. Providing long-term and dual HIV and pregnancy protection, receiving implant services at the local clinic, manageable side effects, discreet and private implant, and numbing the area before insertion and removal, were the most preferred product and service provision attributes.

CONCLUSION

Early considerations for women's product preferences are key to product development. Educational messaging around the MPT implant should be empowering and in local languages, this may motivate women to learn more about it and use it. Multiple demand creation channels should be used to engage both young and older populations, which may ensure better reach.

Exploring the wider societal impacts of sexual health issues and interventions to build a framework for research and policy: a qualitative study based on in-depth semi-structured interviews with experts in OECD member countries

OBJECTIVES

Sexual health is a complex public health challenge and can generate wide-ranging health, social and economic impacts both within and beyond the health sector (ie, intersectoral costs and benefits). Methods are needed to capture these intersectoral impacts in economic studies to optimally inform policy/decision-making. The objectives of this study were (1) to explore the different intersectoral costs and benefits associated with sexual health issues and interventions, (2) to categorise these into sectors and (3) to develop a preliminary framework to better understand these impacts and to guide future research and policy.

DESIGN

A qualitative study based on in-depth semi-structured online interviews.

SETTING

OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development) member countries.

PARTICIPANTS

Professionals with expertise in the field of sexual health including clinicians, medical practitioners, sexologists, researchers, professionals working for international governmental or non-governmental health (policy) organisations and professionals involved in implementation and/or evaluation of sexual health interventions/programmes.

METHODS

Sampling of participants was undertaken purposively. We conducted in-depth semi-structured online interviews to allow for a systemic coverage of key topics and for new ideas to emerge. We applied a Framework approach for thematic data analysis.

RESULTS

28 experts were interviewed. Six themes emerged from the interviews: (1) Interconnections to other areas of health (ie, reproductive health, mental health), (2) Relationships and family, (3) Productivity and labour, (4) Education, (5) Criminal justice/sexual violence, (6) Housing, addiction and other sectors. The findings confirm that sexual health is complex and can generate wide-ranging impacts on other areas of health and other non-health sectors of society.

CONCLUSION

These different sectors need to be considered when evaluating interventions and making policy decisions. The preliminary framework can help guide future research and policy/decision-making. Future research could explore additional sectors not covered in this study and expand the preliminary framework.