1
|
Baraki SG, Thupayagale-tshweneagae G. Individual and relational dynamics perceived to influence the sexual behaviour of adolescents in Ethiopia: a qualitative study. FRONTIERS IN REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH 2024; 6:1348953. [PMID: 39166175 PMCID: PMC11333451 DOI: 10.3389/frph.2024.1348953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2024] [Indexed: 08/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Background There are 1.2 billion adolescents in the world today, more than ever before, making up 16% of the world's population and nearly one-fourth of the total population in Sub-Saharan Africa. Adolescents are facing life-threatening health challenges attributed to sexual and reproductive health issues such as unwanted pregnancies, unsafe abortions, and sexually transmitted infections, including the human immunodeficiency virus, and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. The aim of this research is to explore the individual and relational levels of factors that drive adolescents to engage in risky sexual behaviour. Methods A qualitative phenomenological study design was used from February to June 2020. Adolescents and health professionals were selected purposefully. A total of 12 individual in-depth interviews, five focus group discussions with adolescents, and eight key informant interviews with health professionals were conducted using a semi-structured guide. Data analysis was performed using thematic analysis with ATLAS Ti version 7 software. Credibility, dependability, transferability, and confirmability were used to ensure the trustworthiness of the data. Results In this study, two themes were identified; individual level factors such as sexual desire and emotion driven sex, limited knowledge of sexual and reproductive health, and a permissive attitude towards sexual activities drive adolescents to engage in risky sexual behaviour; and relational level factors such as, limited family support and involvement, negative peer pressure and influence, male partner dominance during the partnership, and pressuring females to engage in sexual intercourse were perceived factors influencing adolescents to engage in risky sexual behaviour. Conclusion Various individual-level and relational-level factors are influencing adolescents to engage in risky sexual behaviour. Socially and culturally acceptable, comprehensive sexual education should be provided for in-school and out-school adolescents to enhance their knowledge, attitude, and skill about sexual and reproductive health. Interventions at the peer and partner level should be considered to enhance the life skills that enable them to resist pressure from peers and their partners. Child-parent communication on sexual and reproductive health matters should be promoted.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Semere Gebremariam Baraki
- Department of Public Health, Menelik II Medical and Health Science College, Kotebe University of Education, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | | |
Collapse
|
2
|
Whitton A, Swahn MH, Culbreth R, Kasirye R. Attitudes and risky sexual behavior among youth in Kampala, Uganda: Empirical analyses of risk factors by gender. PEC INNOVATION 2022; 1:100090. [PMID: 36532298 PMCID: PMC9757820 DOI: 10.1016/j.pecinn.2022.100090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2021] [Revised: 09/06/2022] [Accepted: 10/03/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study sought to examine gender differences and the influence of peer and parental perceptions on sexual risk behaviors among an at-risk sample of youth living in Kampala, Uganda. METHODS Using the cross-sectional Kampala Youth Survey (2014) based in Kampala, Uganda (n = 1134), bivariate and multivariable logistic regressions were conducted to determine the odds of sexual risk behaviors based on peer and parental influence variables and gender. RESULTS The perceptions of peer, adult, and parental opinions on sexual activity were significantly associated with varying levels across all risky sexual behaviors explored. When indexed and adjusted for other variables, females compared to males were at increased odds of participating in 3-4 risky sexual behaviors (OR: 0.63, 95% CI: 0.44, 0.90) and 5-6 risky sexual behaviors (OR: 0.38, 95% CI: 0.21, 0.68) compared to zero risky sexual behaviors. CONCLUSIONS Adolescent sexual risk behaviors are subject to peer and parental influence and vary between genders. INNOVATION This study emphasizes the importance of peer influences in adolescent sexual risk behaviors. Many of these youth are orphans, which may explain the lack of association between parental influences and sexual risk behavior. School-based and community-based interventions may be effective at preventing risky sexual behaviors for this vulnerable population.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alaina Whitton
- School of Public Health, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Monica H. Swahn
- Wellstar College of Health and Human Services, Kennesaw State University, Kennesaw, GA, USA
| | - Rachel Culbreth
- Toxicology Investigators Consortium, American College of Medical Toxicology, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
3
|
Gumindega GC, Maharaj P. Challenges with couples HIV counselling and testing among black MSM students: perspectives of university students in Durban, South Africa. SAHARA J 2022; 19:22-31. [PMID: 35912646 PMCID: PMC9344953 DOI: 10.1080/17290376.2022.2101511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2019] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Research suggests that HIV infections among men who have sex with men (MSM) are acquired from primary partners, yet MSM continually fail to take part in couples HIV counselling and testing (CHCT). To identify factors that inhibit MSM in universities from regularly testing for HIV with their sexual partners, this study considered the perspectives and experiences of 15 MSM students in Durban, South Africa. The findings show that despite appreciating the value of couple testing it is relatively uncommon. MSM resist doing so with their casual partners as this would presumably signal an intention to advance the relationship beyond the short-term. Other barriers included; experienced and perceived homophobia at public testing centres, trust-based assumptions that primary partners need not test for HIV and fear of discord. They also employed alternative strategies to purportedly determine their casual and primary partners' status in the absence of CHCT. Alternative strategies include; initiating sexual relationships with casual partners whose sexual history is known and making use of home-based testing kits to avoid CHCT at public testing centres. These findings emphasise the need for LGBTIQ-friendly couple-based approaches as a necessary component of HIV prevention interventions among MSM in universities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Geogina Charity Gumindega
- School of Built Environment and Development Studies, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Pranitha Maharaj
- School of Built Environment and Development Studies, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Gnatou GYS, Gbeasor-Komlanvi FA, Sadio AJ, Konu YR, Tchankoni MK, Zida-Compaore WIC, Agbonon A, Ekouevi DK. Knowledge and practices of female students at university of Kara regarding sexually transmitted infections in Togo, 2021. J Public Health Afr 2022; 13:2225. [PMID: 36051520 PMCID: PMC9425935 DOI: 10.4081/jphia.2022.2225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2022] [Accepted: 05/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
A good knowledge of sexually transmitted infections (STI) in female students is an important element in the prevention of STI transmission. The objective of this study is to describe the level of knowledge and practices on STI among female students at the University of Kara. A cross-sectional study was conducted at the University of Kara from July to September 2021. Data were collected using a standard, digitalised, selfadministered questionnaire. Logistic regression analysis was used to describe factors associated with the level of knowledge of STIs. A total of 1,055 female students with a median age of 21 years (interquartile range: 20-24) participated in the study. More than one-third (33.7%) of the students had good knowledge of STI. Having already been tested for HIV (aOR=3.25; 95% CI 2.36-4.52), having already had sex (aOR=1.56; 95% CI 1.10-2.24) and the level of education (AOR=3.46; 95% CI 2.10-5.85) were significantly associated with good STIs knowledge. Among the 723 female students (68.5%) who already had sex, 32.5% reported inconsistent use of condoms during sexual intercourse and 18.9% reported having multiple sexual partners. The results of this study highlight the importance of intensifying STIs prevention efforts (awareness, screening, and vaccination) among female students at the University of Kara.
Collapse
|
5
|
Mokgatle M, Madiba S, Hlongwane N. Differences in Sexual Behavior and Partner Notification for Sexually Transmitted Infections Between the Out of School Youth and University Students in a Peri-Urban District in South Africa-A Cross-Sectional Survey. Front Public Health 2022; 10:793702. [PMID: 35812474 PMCID: PMC9257014 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.793702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2021] [Accepted: 02/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The increase in sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in young people is a public health concern. Among those in university and out of school, different contextual factors contribute to their risky sexual behavior and increased susceptibility to STIs and HIV. There are limited comparative studies examining risky sexual behavior and partner notification (PN) between these two groups, particularly in South Africa. We investigated sexual behaviors, self-reported STI diagnosis, health seeking behavior, and preferred PN methods of university students and out of school youth. A descriptive cross-sectional survey was used using convenient sampling to select 917 students across five health sciences universities and through periodic sampling 699 out of school youth were selected from two main local shopping centers in South Africa. Descriptive statistics, bivariate and multivariable logistic analysis were performed using Stata IC version 14. More university students (71.7%) than out of school youth were in casual relationships (28.3%), with half of out of school youth being in steady relations (50.2%). Moreover, university students (65.7%) used a condom in the past 6 months compared to their counterparts (34.3%). Of the 124 youth who were diagnosed with STI in the past 12 months, majority (n = 106, 85%) were out of school youth. The probability of notifying a partner about a STI infection was 82% among university students compared to their counterparts (p = >0.05). The odds of notifying a partner was 1.79 times more for those having multiple sexual partners than those who had only one partner. Both groups preferred a face-to-face STI disclosure with partner; however, more university students (67%) preferred SMS notification than PN referral slips as compared to out of school youth (42%). Both the university students and the out of school youth engaged in risky sexual behaviors. Both groups preferred face-to-face and clinic SMS partner notifications, even though university students were in the majority. There is a need for developing health promotion scripts on disclosing STIs to sexual partners to empower the majority of the youth who prefer face-to-face PN over the prescribed methods.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mathildah Mokgatle
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Ga-Rankuwa, South Africa
- School of Transdisciplinary Research and Graduate Studies, College of Graduate Studies, University of South Africa (UNISA), Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Sphiwe Madiba
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, School of Public Health, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Ga-Rankuwa, South Africa
| | - Naomi Hlongwane
- School of Public Health, School of Health Care Sciences, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Ga-Rankuwa, South Africa
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Odimegwu CO, Ugwu NH. A multilevel mixed effect analysis of neighbourhood and individual level determinants of risky sexual behaviour among young people in South Africa. Reprod Health 2022; 19:119. [PMID: 35549967 PMCID: PMC9096753 DOI: 10.1186/s12978-022-01407-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2022] [Accepted: 04/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite national and international commitments and efforts to prevent risky sexual behaviours, a high proportion of young people in South Africa are engaged in risky sexual behaviour. However, most efforts are currently directed toward addressing individual-level factors at the expense of not addressing neighbourhood-level determinants such as social disorganisation, contributing to risky sexual behaviour among young people in South Africa. This study investigated the multilevel factors of risky sexual behaviours among young people by gender in South Africa, using the lens of socio-ecological and social disorganisation frameworks. METHODS Data from a nationally representative sample of 1268 males and 2621 females aged 15-24 years, giving a total of, 3889 never-married youths, were drawn from the 2016 South Africa Demographic and Health Survey. Analysis was conducted using multilevel mixed-effect logistic regressions with random community-level effects. RESULTS Findings show that youth who were from a heterogeneous ethnic group (AOR = 0.49, CI: 0.35-0.67), household size of 5 + members (AOR = 0.78, CI: 0.54-1.15), community education (AOR = 0.97, CI: 0.72-1.32) were associated with low engagement in multiple sexual partnerships. Youths who were employed (AOR = 0.84, CI: 0.59-1.18), and from high-level community poverty (AOR = 0.76, CI: 0.58-1.00) were also associated with reduced odds of unprotected sex. In addition, older youth aged 20-24 years (AOR = 12.6, CI: 9.93-16.00); secondary education attainment (AOR = 1.01, CI 0.58-1.77); family structure (AOR = 1.37, CI: 0.75-1.15); Gauteng province (AOR = 1.45 CI: 0.92-2.28); residential mobility (AOR = 1.25, CI: 1.02-1.53), community media exposure to contraceptives (unprotected sex) (AOR = 1.38, CI: 1.09-1.76) were more likely to engage in risky sexual behaviour. CONCLUSION The study revealed that neighbourhood and individual-level factors were important in explaining the factors associated with risky sexual behaviour among young people in South Africa. In addition, engagement in risky sexual behaviour was high, with minimal variation among young females and males in South Africa. It specifies that the practice of risky sexual behaviour is significantly associated with multilevel factors of social disorganisation that cut across gender. These results imply that there is a need to review policies of sexual risks reduction for each gender, which might help mitigate the adverse effects of social disorganisation for women and men youths in South Africa.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Clifford Obby Odimegwu
- Demography and Population Studies Programme, Schools of Public Health and Social Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Nebechukwu Henry Ugwu
- Demography and Population Studies Programme, Schools of Public Health and Social Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa. .,Institute for Development Studies, University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus, Nigeria.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Brault MA, Christie S, Manchia A, Mabuza K, Dlamini M, Linnander EL. Girl Champ in eSwatini: A Strategic Marketing Campaign to Promote Demand for Sexual and Reproductive Health Services Among Young Women. AIDS Behav 2022; 26:853-863. [PMID: 34463895 PMCID: PMC8840893 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-021-03446-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Efforts to engage adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) in HIV services have struggled, in part, due to limited awareness of services and stigma. Strategic marketing is a promising approach, but the impact on youth behavior change is unclear. We report findings from a mixed methods evaluation of the Girl Champ campaign, designed to generate demand for sexual and reproductive services among AGYW, and piloted in three clinics in the Manzini region of eSwatini. We analyzed and integrated data from longitudinal, clinic-level databases on health service utilization among AGYW before and after the pilot, qualitative interviews with stakeholders responsible for the implementation of the pilot, and participant feedback surveys from attendees of Girl Champ events. Girl Champ was well received by most stakeholders based on event attendance and participant feedback, and associated with longitudinal improvements in demand for HIV services. Findings can inform future HIV demand creation interventions for youth.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marie A Brault
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Yale School of Public Health, 60 College Street, New Haven, CT, 06510-3201, USA.
| | - Sarah Christie
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA
- Global Health Leadership Initiative, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA
- School of Public Health, University of the Western Cape, Bellville, South Africa
| | | | | | - Muhle Dlamini
- Ministry of Health, Government of the Kingdom of eSwatini, Mbabane, Eswatini
| | - Erika L Linnander
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA
- Global Health Leadership Initiative, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Brault MA, Christie S, Aquino S, Rendin A, Manchia A, Curry LA, Linnander EL. Project Last Mile and the development of the Girl Champ brand in eSwatini: engaging the private sector to promote uptake of health services among adolescent girls and young women. SAHARA J 2021; 18:52-63. [PMID: 33685358 PMCID: PMC7946024 DOI: 10.1080/17290376.2021.1894224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
In eSwatini and across sub-Saharan Africa, adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) are at significantly higher risk of HIV infection and poorer sexual and reproductive health (SRH) than their male counterparts. AGYW demonstrate low demand for SRH services, further contributing to poor outcomes. Strategic marketing approaches, including those used by multinational corporations, have potential to support demand creation for SRH services among AGYW, but there is limited empirical evidence on the direct application of private-sector strategic marketing approaches in this context. Therefore, we examined how Project Last Mile worked with eSwatini's Ministry of Heath to translate strategic marketing approaches from the Coca-Cola system to attract AGYW to SRH services. We present qualitative market research using the ZMET® methodology with 12 young Swazi women (ages 15-24), which informed development of a highly branded communication strategy consistent with other successful gain-framing approaches. Qualitative in-depth interviews with 19 stakeholders revealed receptivity to the market research findings, and highlighted local ownership over the strategic marketing process and brand. These results can inform similar efforts to translate strategic marketing to support demand generation in pursuit of public health goals to reduce HIV risk and improve SRH.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marie A. Brault
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Sarah Christie
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA
- Global Health Leadership Initiative, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA
- School of Public Health, University of the Western Cape, Bellville, South Africa
| | | | | | | | - Leslie A. Curry
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA
- Global Health Leadership Initiative, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Erika L. Linnander
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA
- Global Health Leadership Initiative, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Mokgatle MM, Madiba S, Cele L. A Comparative Analysis of Risky Sexual Behaviors, Self-Reported Sexually Transmitted Infections, Knowledge of Symptoms and Partner Notification Practices among Male and Female University Students in Pretoria, South Africa. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18115660. [PMID: 34070603 PMCID: PMC8198344 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18115660] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2021] [Revised: 05/18/2021] [Accepted: 05/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
The surge of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among young people is of public health importance, and the notification and treatment of sex partners after the diagnosis of an STI is a public health approach to prevent and reduce further transmissions. There are limited studies that investigate partner notification among young people in general, and university students in South Africa in particular. We investigated self-reported STIs and partner notification practice, intentions, and preferences among university students. We also assessed their STI knowledge and risky sexual behaviour in relation to STIs. The study was a descriptive cross-sectional survey that used multistage sampling to select 918 students across the five schools of a health sciences university in South Africa. Descriptive statistics and bivariate logistic analysis were performed using Stata IC version 16. More males (54.1%) than females were currently in a sexual relationship (47.3%), more males reported multiple sexual partners (n = 114, 46%), engaged in transactional sex (n = 13, 5.3%), and had one-night stands (n = 68, 28.1%) in the past 12 months (p = 0.001). Moreover, half (55.9%) had poor knowledge of STIs with an overall mean knowledge score of 2.9 ± 2.0, and the majority (85.8%) perceived themselves to be at low risk of acquiring STIs. The odds of intentions to disclose an STI infection to a sexual partner and delivering a partner notification slip to ex-sexual partners were not statistically significant (p = 0.95; p = 0.10), with the likelihood of disclosure being 1.3 times for female students compared to males. Female students were 1.5 times as likely to prefer a doctor to send an SMS notification to their sexual partners (p = 0.02) compared to their male counterparts, while the preference of an SMS notification was 41% (p = 0.03) among female students. Students engaged in risky behaviours but had a low perception of the risks of acquiring STIs. Although they had preferences of different methods of partner notification, both male and female students preferred SMS partner notifications from a doctor, even though women were in the majority. Health care providers should put in place interventions so that young people can safely inform their partners about STIs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mathildah Mpata Mokgatle
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Ga-Rankuwa 0208, South Africa;
- Correspondence:
| | - Sphiwe Madiba
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, School of Public Health, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Ga-Rankuwa 0208, South Africa;
| | - Lindiwe Cele
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Ga-Rankuwa 0208, South Africa;
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Khumalo S, Taylor M, Makusha T, Mabaso M. Intersectionality of cultural norms and sexual behaviours: a qualitative study of young Black male students at a university in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Reprod Health 2020; 17:188. [PMID: 33234147 PMCID: PMC7687826 DOI: 10.1186/s12978-020-01041-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2020] [Accepted: 11/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Sexual risk behaviours that occur among young men are based on dominant notions and practices that prevail in cultural contexts. As such, understanding the intersection of cultural norms and sexual risk behaviours among young men is very important. Methods The study used a qualitative design and conducted four focus group discussions with 36 male students who were purposively selected from different levels of study at the University of KwaZulu-Natal. Data were analysed through line-by-line coding, and grouped into emerging themes and sub-themes facilitated by the use of Atlas.ti. Result The findings emphasize that socialisation agents such as the family, peers and community play an important role in prescribing acceptable and unacceptable sexual behaviour of young men. Some of the young men seemed to adhere to prescribed gender norms of what it means to be a man while some rejected them for alternative versions of being a man. In the context of the university environment, these findings reveal that male students cannot make informed decisions regarding condom use when they are intoxicated, and thus expose themselves to sexually transmitted infections and other risks. Conclusion University sexual risk reduction programs should be developed considering the specific cultural context, using strategies that empower young men to challenge the widely accepted cultural norms that may predispose them to sexual risks. Plain English summary Sexual behaviours and cultural norms are interconnected, it is through culture that people learn how to behave and understand the world around them. In many cultural contexts, young men are taught from a very young age how to behave based on dominant notions of what it means to be a man in that particular context. As such, in some cultural context sexual risk-taking such as having multiple sexual partners and unprotected sex are perceived as normal behaviour for men. Some young men embrace such normalised sexual behaviours which often has negative implications on their future. This study explored the influence of cultural norms on the sexual behaviour of young men. This qualitative study was conducted at the University of KwaZulu-Natal. Four focus group discussions were conducted among first-year students to postgraduate students who were between the ages of 18 to 30 years. Our findings revealed that there other influences on the sexual behaviours of the young men, which included family, community and peers. It also emerged that gender norms regarding what it means to be a man still prevailed which some of the young men in the study adhered to, notably such notions seemed to be rejected by some of them. The university setting appeared to be space where a lot of sexual risk-taking took place, which potentially exposed the young men in the study to many sexual risks. In conclusion, targeted programs for the university setting should aim to challenge gender norms that expose young men to sexual risks.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sinakekelwe Khumalo
- Discipline of Public Health, School of Nursing and Public Health Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa. .,Human and Social Capabilities Research Programme, Human Sciences Research Council, Durban, South Africa.
| | - Myra Taylor
- Discipline of Public Health, School of Nursing and Public Health Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Tawanda Makusha
- Human and Social Capabilities Research Programme, Human Sciences Research Council, Durban, South Africa
| | - Musawenkosi Mabaso
- Human and Social Capabilities Research Programme, Human Sciences Research Council, Durban, South Africa
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
The Relationship Between Body Image Perceptions and Condom Use Outcomes in a Sample of South African Emerging Adults. PREVENTION SCIENCE : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR PREVENTION RESEARCH 2020; 20:147-156. [PMID: 30506296 DOI: 10.1007/s11121-018-0957-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
HIV continues to be a health priority in South Africa. Consistent condom use helps prevent HIV, yet less than half of South African emerging adults use condoms consistently. Cultural beliefs about illnesses (e.g., being thin is perceived to be a sign of HIV infection) suggest that body image perceptions may play a role in emerging adults' condom use outcomes. We explored the relationships between body image perceptions (i.e., body dissatisfaction, body consciousness) and condom use outcomes (e.g., attitudes, negotiation efficacy, past use) in a sample of South African emerging adults. Participants (n = 379) recruited from university residences completed an anonymous survey. Participants' mean age was 21.79 years, 54.6% were female, 96.1% identified as Black African, and 73.5% reported primarily speaking IsiZulu. For women, the relationship between body dissatisfaction and condom negotiation efficacy was mediated by body consciousness and condom use attitudes after controlling for BMI, relationship status, and mental health symptoms. Further, the relationship between body dissatisfaction and past condom use was mediated by body consciousness. These results were not significant for men. Findings from this study suggest that integrating messages about body image perceptions into HIV prevention efforts targeting South African emerging adult women may be warranted.
Collapse
|
12
|
Amare T, Yeneabat T, Amare Y. A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Epidemiology of Risky Sexual Behaviors in College and University Students in Ethiopia, 2018. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2019; 2019:4852130. [PMID: 31015844 PMCID: PMC6446110 DOI: 10.1155/2019/4852130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2018] [Accepted: 02/12/2019] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Background Risk of sexual ill-health occurs with the onset of unsafe sexual activity, mostly among the adolescents, and continues as long as the risky activities are engaged in. Globally, and in Africa, adolescent AIDS-related mortality among adolescents has been increasing. Therefore, a systematic review and meta-analysis of epidemiology of risky sexual behaviors in college and university students in Ethiopia is mandatory. Methods We conducted extensive search of articles as indicated in the guideline of reporting systematic review and meta-analysis (PRISMA). Databases such as PubMed, Global Health, Africa-wides, Google advance search, Scopus, and EMBASE were accessed for literature search. The pooled estimated effect of epidemiology of risky sexual behaviors and associated factors were analyzed by using the random effects model meta-analysis and 95% CI was also considered. PROSPERO registration number is CRD42018109277. Result A total of 18 studies with 10,218 participants were encompassed in this meta-analysis. The estimated pooled prevalence of risky sexual behaviors among college and university students was 41.62%. Being male [OR: 2.35, with 95% (CI; 1.20, 4.59)], alcohol use [OR: 2.68, with 95% CI; (1.67, 4.33)] and watching pornography [OR: 4.74, with 95% CI; (3.21, 7.00)] were positively associated with risky sexual behaviors. Conclusion and recommendation Risky sexual behavior among students was high. Educational institutions should give special attention for male sex, alcohol user, and students who watch pornography.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tadele Amare
- Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine and Health Science, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Tebikew Yeneabat
- Department of Midwifery, College of Health Sciences, Debre Markos University, Debre Markos, Ethiopia
| | - Yohannes Amare
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine and Health Science, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Callaghan CW. Contemporary HIV/AIDS research: Insights from knowledge management theory. SAHARA J 2017; 14:53-63. [PMID: 28922967 PMCID: PMC5639607 DOI: 10.1080/17290376.2017.1375426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Knowledge management as a field is concerned with the management of knowledge, including the management of knowledge in research processes. Knowledge management theory has the potential to support research into problems such as HIV, antibiotic resistance and others, particularly in terms of aspects of scientific research related to the contribution of social science. To date, however, these challenges remain with us, and theoretical contributions that can complement natural science efforts to eradicate these problems are needed. This paper seeks to offer a theoretical contribution grounded in Kuhn's paradigm theory of innovation, and in the argument by Lakatos that scientific research can be fundamentally non-innovative, which suggests that social science aspects of knowledge creation may hold the key to more effective biomedical innovation. Given the consequences of ongoing and emerging global crises, and the failure of knowledge systems of scientific research to solve such problems outright, this paper provides a review of theory and literature arguing for a new paradigm in scientific research, based on the development of global systems to maximise research collaborations. A global systems approach effectively includes social science theory development as an important complement to the natural sciences research process. Arguably, information technology and social media technology have developed to the point at which solutions to knowledge aggregation challenges can enable solutions to knowledge problems on a scale hitherto unimaginable. Expert and non-expert crowdsourced inputs can enable problem-solving through exponentially increasing problem-solving inputs, using the 'crowd,' thereby increasing collaborations dramatically. It is argued that these developments herald a new era of participatory research, or a democratisation of research, which offers new hope for solving global social problems. This paper seeks to contribute to this end, and to the recognition of the important role of social theory in the scientific research process.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chris William Callaghan
- PhD, Associate Professor in the School of Economic and Business Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| |
Collapse
|