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Kyei-Arthur F, Agyekum MW, Kyei-Gyamfi S. "You cannot stay with one person once you begin having sex at a young age": the prevalence, correlates and effects of early sexual debut among children in Ghana. Reprod Health 2024; 21:38. [PMID: 38521936 PMCID: PMC10960462 DOI: 10.1186/s12978-024-01775-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 03/16/2024] [Indexed: 03/25/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Children's initiation of early sex has several negative implications on their sexual and reproductive health, growth and development. In Ghana, few studies on early sexual debut have focused on adolescents. Therefore, this study examined the prevalence, causes, correlates and effects of early sexual debut among children aged 8 to 17 in Ghana using secondary data from the Department of Children of the Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Protection. METHODS A convergent parallel mixed-method approach guided the study. Descriptive statistics and multivariable binary logistic regression were used to analyse the quantitative data, while thematic analysis was used to analyse the qualitative data. RESULTS The study found that the prevalence of early sexual debut among children was 13.2%, which is more predominant among female children. The main causes of early sexual debut include engaging in sex after watching pornography, self-desire to have sex, and being influenced by alcohol consumption. Also, age, sex, education, marital status, religion, ecological zone, living arrangements, and access to the Internet were significant correlates of early sexual debut. Early sexual debut increases children's risk of unwanted pregnancy, which leads to the termination of children's education or induced abortion. Also, early sexual debut had adverse impacts on the wellbeing of pregnant children and increased children's risk of multiple lifetime sexual partners. CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrated that socio-demographic characteristics of children (e.g., age, sex, education, and marital status) were significant correlates of early sexual debut. Policymakers need to design appropriate interventions, considering the socio-demographic characteristics of children, to curb its occurrence in Ghana.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frank Kyei-Arthur
- Department of Environment and Public Health, University of Environment and Sustainable Development, Somanya, Ghana.
| | - Martin Wiredu Agyekum
- Institute for Educational Research and Innovation Studies, University of Education, Winneba, Ghana
| | - Sylvester Kyei-Gyamfi
- Department of Children, Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection, Accra, Ghana
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Stokłosa M, Stokłosa I, Więckiewicz G, Porwolik M, Bugajski M, Męcik-Kronenberg T, Pudlo R, Gorczyca P, Piegza M. Influence of Selected Sociodemographic and Cultural Factors on the Age of Sexual Initiation of Students from Polish Universities. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:3468. [PMID: 36834163 PMCID: PMC9967995 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20043468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2023] [Revised: 02/12/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Sexuality is the one of the most important parts of human life. The aim of our study was to identify the factors influencing the onset and age of sexual initiation in students and drawing attention to the need to improve access to sexual education in Polish schools at a sufficiently high level. An original questionnaire with 31 questions was used for the study. Data were collected using the Google Forms tool. A total of 7528 students participated in the study and 5824 underwent sexual initiation. The mean age at sexual initiation was 18.1 years. Logistic regression analysis was performed to show factors influencing the onset of sexual activity, while linear regression analysis was used for factors influencing the age of sexual initiation. Religion, drug use, smoking, alcohol consumption, type of housing, and conversations with parents about contraception or sex affect the onset of sexual activity. The age of sexual initiation is affected by religion, the age of the first viewing of pornography, quality of life, the size of the city of residence, smoking and drug use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maciej Stokłosa
- Department and Clinic of Psychiatry, Medical University of Silesia, 42-612 Tarnowskie Góry, Poland
| | - Iga Stokłosa
- Department and Clinic of Psychiatry, Medical University of Silesia, 42-612 Tarnowskie Góry, Poland
| | - Gniewko Więckiewicz
- Department and Clinic of Psychiatry, Medical University of Silesia, 42-612 Tarnowskie Góry, Poland
| | - Mateusz Porwolik
- Department of Ophthalmology, Medical University of Silesia, University Clinical Center, 40-514 Katowice, Poland
| | - Maciej Bugajski
- Department and Clinic of Psychiatry, Medical University of Silesia, 42-612 Tarnowskie Góry, Poland
| | | | - Robert Pudlo
- Department and Clinic of Psychiatry, Medical University of Silesia, 42-612 Tarnowskie Góry, Poland
| | - Piotr Gorczyca
- Department and Clinic of Psychiatry, Medical University of Silesia, 42-612 Tarnowskie Góry, Poland
| | - Magdalena Piegza
- Department and Clinic of Psychiatry, Medical University of Silesia, 42-612 Tarnowskie Góry, Poland
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Idris IB, Bin Sulaiman SK, Hod R, Khazaei H, Abdullah NN. A Qualitative Study to Explore the Determinants of Risky Sexual Behaviors and Pregnancy among Female Adolescents in Sabah, Malaysia. Obstet Gynecol Int 2022; 2022:1866326. [PMID: 36479302 PMCID: PMC9722311 DOI: 10.1155/2022/1866326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2022] [Revised: 10/29/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2023] Open
Abstract
This investigation was performed in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah state, where the highest number of pregnancies is recorded. The purpose of this study was to determine variables associated with hazardous sexual activity and adolescent pregnancy in Sabah, Malaysia. The findings indicate that familial variables, peer interactions, self-esteem, psychiatric concerns, economic considerations, and sex knowledge all play a significant role in hazardous sexual conduct and adolescent pregnancy in Sabah, Malaysia. Information obtained from this study will help the Malaysian government and other officials to design and establish proper interventions that will help alleviate the challenge of high prevalence of teenage pregnancy. It is suggested that sex education be included in the high school curriculum, along with physical and health education in Sabah, Malaysia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Idayu Badilla Idris
- Department of Community Health, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Shameer Khan Bin Sulaiman
- Department of Community Health, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Rozita Hod
- Department of Community Health, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Hamed Khazaei
- Malaysia-Japan International Institute of Technology, University Teknologi Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Nik Nairan Abdullah
- Department of Public Health Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Sungai Buloh, Selangor, Malaysia
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Seff I, Steiner JJ, Stark L. Early sexual debut: A multi-country, sex-stratified analysis in sub-Saharan Africa. Glob Public Health 2020; 16:1046-1056. [PMID: 32893738 DOI: 10.1080/17441692.2020.1814833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
This study examined outcomes associated with early sexual debut in five sub-Saharan African countries for males and females, separately. We employed Violence Against Children Surveys (VACS) from Kenya, Malawi, Nigeria, Tanzania, and Uganda, restricting samples to males and females age 18-24 years. Early sexual debut was defined as having one's first sexual intercourse before 15. Logistic, Ordinary Least Squares, and Poisson regressions were utilised to estimate associations between early sexual debut and outcomes across four ecological domains: individual, family, peer/partner, and community. Regressions were stratified by sex. The prevalence of early sexual debut ranged from 8.6% in Tanzania to 17.7% in Malawi. Males were more likely to report early sexual debut in Kenya (16.3%, compared to 6.7% for females; P < 0.001) and Uganda (15%, compared to 10.4% for females; P = 0.037). In Nigeria, 14.5% of females reported early sexual debut, compared to 5.4% of males (P < 0.001). Early sexual debut was associated with only one outcome in the individual and family domains, and was most consistently associated with outcomes in the peer/partner domain. Differences in these relationships for males and females suggest programs and policies working to reduce early sexual debut and promote healthy sexual relationships among young adolescents should thoughtfully consider framing messaging through a gendered lens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilana Seff
- Department of Population and Family Health, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY, USA.,George Warren Brown School, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | | | - Lindsay Stark
- George Warren Brown School, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
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Nwaozuru U, Blackstone S, Obiezu-Umeh C, Conserve DF, Mason S, Uzoaru F, Gbajabiamila T, Ezechi O, Iwelunmor P, Ehiri JE, Iwelunmor J. Psychosocial correlates of safe sex self-efficacy among in-school adolescent girls in Lagos, Nigeria. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0234788. [PMID: 32574187 PMCID: PMC7310695 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0234788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2019] [Accepted: 06/02/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Adolescent girls in Nigeria are at heightened risk for HIV and other sexually transmitted infections. However, there are limited studies on psychosocial factors that are associated with safe sex intentions among this population. Self-efficacy has been established as an important correlate of behavioral intentions and the actual behavior. The objective of this research was to examine how key psychosocial factors such as social support, parental monitoring, and future orientation influence perceived safe sex self-efficacy among in-school adolescent girls in Nigeria. Furthermore, we assessed the associations between these psychosocial factors and HIV-related knowledge and safe sex self-efficacy. METHODS A self-administered questionnaire was distributed to 426 adolescent girls attending public and private school systems in Lagos, Nigeria. Multiple linear regression was used to evaluate the influence of psychosocial and demographic factors on safe sex self-efficacy. Further, stratified analysis was conducted to compare the estimates between participants attending public schools (n = 272) and those attending private schools (n = 154). FINDINGS Results from the study show that future orientation (β = 0.17; p < 0.05), participants age (β = 0.14; p < 0.05), and HIV knowledge accuracy (β = 0.17; p < 0.05) were associated with safe sex self-efficacy. Future orientation remained statistically significant in the sub-group analysis among participants attending public (β = 0.13; p < 0.05) and private schools (β = 0.24; p < 0.05). Among participants attending public schools, HIV accuracy (β = 0.2; p < 0.05) remained a significant correlate of safe sex self-efficacy while this association dissipated among private school attendees. CONCLUSIONS These findings point to the importance of including future orientation strategies in interventions developed for in-school adolescent girls in Nigeria. School-based interventions that increase positive future orientation outcomes may be beneficial to improve safe sex intentions among adolescent girls in Nigeria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ucheoma Nwaozuru
- Department of Behavioral Science and Health Education, College for Public Health and Social Justice, Saint Louis University, Saint Louis, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Sarah Blackstone
- Departments of Health Professions and Health Sciences, James Madison University, Harrisonburg, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Chisom Obiezu-Umeh
- Department of Behavioral Science and Health Education, College for Public Health and Social Justice, Saint Louis University, Saint Louis, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Donaldson F. Conserve
- Department of Health Promotion, Education, and Behavior, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina, United States of America
| | - Stacey Mason
- Department of Behavioral Science and Health Education, College for Public Health and Social Justice, Saint Louis University, Saint Louis, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Florida Uzoaru
- Department of Behavioral Science and Health Education, College for Public Health and Social Justice, Saint Louis University, Saint Louis, Missouri, United States of America
| | | | - Oliver Ezechi
- Nigerian Institute of Medical Research, Yaba, Lagos State, Nigeria
| | - Patricia Iwelunmor
- Morning Star Health and Human Development Foundation, Festac Town, Lagos State, Nigeria
| | - John E. Ehiri
- Department of Health Promotion Sciences, Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, United States of America
| | - Juliet Iwelunmor
- Department of Behavioral Science and Health Education, College for Public Health and Social Justice, Saint Louis University, Saint Louis, Missouri, United States of America
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Sunarsih T, Astuti EP, Ari Shanti EF, Ambarwati ER. Health Promotion Model for Adolescent Reproductive Health. ELECTRONIC JOURNAL OF GENERAL MEDICINE 2020. [DOI: 10.29333/ejgm/7873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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O Asante K, Nketiah-Amponsah E, Andoh-Arthur J, Boafo IM, Ampaw S. Correlates of Early Sexual Debut Among Sexually Active Youth in Ghana. INTERNATIONAL QUARTERLY OF COMMUNITY HEALTH EDUCATION 2019; 39:9-17. [PMID: 30479192 DOI: 10.1177/0272684x18811016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Using the 2014 Ghana Demographic and Health Survey, this study explores the correlates of early sexual debut among 2,746 (males = 670 and females = 2,076) sexually active youth aged 15 to 24 years in Ghana. The results indicate that males aged 15 to 19 years (odds ratio [ OR] = 8.84, p < .001) and who had basic education ( OR = 3.17, p < .001) were significantly more likely to initiate sexual debut early. Urban males who had used modern contraceptive ( OR = 0.35, p < .001) were significantly less likely to initiate early sexual debut. Meanwhile, females aged 15 to 19 years ( OR = 4.26, p < .001); who had used modern contraceptive ( OR = 1.99, p < .001); with no formal ( OR = 2.90, p < .001) or basic ( OR = 3.12, p < .001) education; with partial access to media ( OR = 1.58, p < .01); and from the Akans ( OR = 1.73, p < .001), Ewes ( OR = 1.92, p < .001), and other ethnic groups ( OR = 1.63, p < .001) were significantly more likely to initiate early sexual debut. However, employed females living in rural areas ( OR = 0.70, p < .01) and those with average ( OR = 0.54, p < .01) or rich ( OR = 0.51, p < .01) household living in urban areas were significantly less likely to initiate early sexual debut. Interventions and policies targeting those living in both rural and urban areas are therefore needed for adolescent males and females in their early teens before they start engaging in sexual intercourse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kwaku O Asante
- 1 Department of Psychology, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana.,2 Discipline of Psychology, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | | | - Johnny Andoh-Arthur
- 4 Department of Mental Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Isaac M Boafo
- 5 Department of Sociology, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Samuel Ampaw
- 3 Department of Economics, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
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Amoyaw JA, Luginaah I. Residential Spaces and Timing of First Sexual Intercourse Among Never-Married Youths in Nigeria. ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2017; 46:1939-1948. [PMID: 27457473 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-016-0803-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2014] [Revised: 05/26/2016] [Accepted: 06/28/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Youths in sub-Saharan Africa who initiate sex at an early age tend to be more vulnerable to HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases because of the lack of accurate knowledge of preventive behaviors. Although sociocultural and economic factors associated with sexual initiation among youths have been studied extensively in Nigeria, little is known about the effect of place-based factors. Rural and urban disparities remain high in Nigeria, and these disparities are reinforced by stark regional inequalities between the north and south. Considering these underlying inequalities, we examined the extent to which rural and urban youths in northern and southern Nigeria differ with regard to the timing of sexual initiation using the 2013 Nigerian Demographic and Health Survey. Results from our event history analyses suggest that never-married male and female youths who lived in the urban north delayed their first sexual intercourse compared with their counterparts in the rural north, but those who lived in the rural south had their first sex earlier. Young males who lived in the urban south also experienced their first sex earlier than their counterparts in the rural north. Surprisingly, educated youths and those who had accurate knowledge about HIV/AIDS transmission experienced their first sex early. Clearly, the timing of sexual initiation among youths varies across different spatial and cultural contexts. Therefore, interventions aimed at discouraging early sexual initiation among young people in Nigeria may need to go beyond merely providing health information and services to addressing the livelihood needs of youths, especially those in rural settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan Anim Amoyaw
- Department of Sociology, University of Western Ontario, Room 5333, Social Science Centre, London, ON, N6A 5C2, Canada.
| | - Isaac Luginaah
- Department of Geography, University of Western Ontario, Social Science Centre, London, ON, Canada
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Odimegwu C, Somefun OD. Ethnicity, gender and risky sexual behaviour among Nigeria youth: an alternative explanation. Reprod Health 2017; 14:16. [PMID: 28143542 PMCID: PMC5282662 DOI: 10.1186/s12978-017-0284-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2015] [Accepted: 01/07/2017] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND While studies in demography and public health have acknowledged the role of ethnic differences, the influence of ethnicity on youth sexual behaviour in Nigeria has received little or no attention. It is important to know how cultural norms and gender roles, which vary by ethnicity, may promote or prevent risky behaviour. Such information could provide insights into previously undetected sexual behaviour in multi-ethnic situations. METHODS The Nigeria Demographic and Health Surveys (NDHS) for 2003, 2008 and 2013 were pooled to examine the relationship between ethnicity and youth sexual reproductive health, proxied by age at sexual debut, multiple sexual partners (MSP) and condom use at last sexual activity, among the 6304 females and 1549 males who reported being sexually active in the four weeks preceding the survey. Multivariate analysis using a Cox proportional hazard regression model was used to determine the risk factors for early sexual activity among young people (15-24). Logistic regression was used to predict condom use at last sexual activity and MSP. RESULTS The median age at first sexual activity was 16 for females and 17 for males. 43% of male youths used condoms in their last sexual activity, compared to only 16% among females and a higher number of males (81%) had multiple sexual partners compared to females (35%). For females, elevated risks of first sex was higher among Hausa/Fulanis aged 15-19 and elevated risk of first sex was higher among Yoruba males. CONCLUSION This study provides further evidence that in order to promote protective sexual behaviours among youth in Nigeria, social, cultural and gender-specific tactics should be put in place for the prevention of HIV and other STIs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clifford Odimegwu
- Demography and Population Studies, School of Public Health and Social Sciences, Faculty of Humanities, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2000 South Africa
| | - Oluwaseyi Dolapo Somefun
- Demography and Population Studies, School of Public Health and Social Sciences, Faculty of Humanities, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2000 South Africa
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N WC, A S. Associated Risk Factors of STIs and Multiple Sexual Relationships among Youths in Malawi. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0134286. [PMID: 26248328 PMCID: PMC4527764 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0134286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2015] [Accepted: 07/07/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Having unprotected sex with multiple sexual partners (MSP) is the greatest risk factor for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among youths. Young people with MSPs are less likely to use a condom and the greater the risk for STIs. This study examines the associated risk factors of STIs and multiple sexual partnerships among youths aged 15-24 years. DATA AND METHODS The Malawi Demographic Health Survey 2010 data was used. Out of a sample of 2,987 males and 9,559 females aged 15-24 years, 2,026 males and 6,470 females were considered in the study. Chi square test and logistic regression techniques were performed. Analysis was performed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 22. FINDINGS The results indicate that 1,399 (69.0%) males and 2,290 (35.4%) females reported multiple sexual partnerships (MSP). Within the rural area, females (n = 1779) were more likely to report MSP than males (n = 1082) and within the urban areas, a higher proportion of females (n = 511) still reported MSP, with males (n = 316). About 78% rural females aged 20-24 years, and about 79% rural males aged 15-19 years reported MSP. The likelihood of MSP was higher among females in the poorest households (OR = 1.31), being married (OR = 5.71) and Catholic males (OR = 1.63), who were married (OR = 1.59). Catholic males (OR = 1.82) in the rural areas, who were married (OR = 1.80) and rural females in the northern region (OR = 1.26) were more likely to have MSP. The odds ratios were higher among urban females in the poorest (OR = 3.45) households who were married (OR = 4.22). CONCLUSIONS Having more than one sexual partner increases the risk of STIs and sexuality education programs should be introduced that emphasize the danger that surrounds MSP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wilson Chialepeh N
- Department of Statistics and Population Studies, University of the Western Cape, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Sathiyasusuman A
- Department of Statistics and Population Studies, University of the Western Cape, Cape Town, South Africa
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Aderemi TJ, Pillay BJ. Sexual abstinence and HIV knowledge in school-going adolescents with intellectual disabilities and non-disabled adolescents in Nigeria. J Child Adolesc Ment Health 2015; 25:161-74. [PMID: 25860422 DOI: 10.2989/17280583.2013.823867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The study compared sexual practices and predictors of sexual abstinence among adolescent learners with mild/moderate intellectual impairments and their non-disabled peers in Nigeria. METHOD This was a comparative, cross-sectional survey that assessed sexual practices of learners with mild/moderate intellectual impairments (N = 300) and non-disabled learners (N = 300), aged 12-19 years, in Oyo State, Nigeria. Data were analysed using SPSS 15.0. RESULTS Findings indicated that learners with mild/moderate intellectual impairments abstained from sex less than non-disabled adolescents (p = 0.002). Girls with intellectual disabilities were almost four times more likely to report history of rape than non-disabled girls. There was no significant difference between sexually abstinent and sexually experienced learners with intellectual disabilities (p = 0.671) and non-disabled adolescents (p = 0.181) in their mean HIV transmission knowledge scores. Many factors, including being male, social supports and self-efficacy determined sexual abstinence among adolescents. CONCLUSIONS Although sexual abstinence is the recommended HIV-prevention strategy in HIV prevention curriculum in Nigerian schools, findings of this study suggested that sexual abstinence alone may not be effective for adolescent learners with intellectual disabilities. Interventions targeting youth with intellectual disabilities should consider all these factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Toyin J Aderemi
- a Health Economics and HIV/AIDS Research Division (HEARD) , University of KwaZulu-Natal , South Africa
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