This study investigated communicative parameters in parent-adolescent and peer discussions about sex. While most sexual health interventions rely on communication and the dissemination of information, little research has sought to elucidate how talk about sex is mediated by the social and cultural context in which it occurs. This study was undertaken with the purpose of obtaining a better understanding of the way in which contextual factors mediate talk. In order to do this, oral histories of participants' first knowledge of sex and first sex experiences were accessed. Participants of different ages were interviewed with a view to exploring how social and cultural factors mediating talk changed over time. / Thesis(M.A.)-Universityof KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 2006.

Using South African and Zimbabwean Demographic and Health Surveys of 1998 and 1999 respectively, findings show that about 35% and 42% women between the ages 15-24 years had given birth at least once in South Africa and Zimbabwe respectively. Of these births, 26% and 32.2% occurred to South African and Zimbabwean women before they reached their 20th birthday respectively. In addition, these births among women between ages 15-24 account for 17% and 27% of the total births in South Africa and Zimbabwe. These are indeed high levels of early childbearing. It is because of these high levels of early childbearing that this dissertation aims to examine determinants contributing to early childbearing. To achieve this, two comparable data sources are analyzed, namely South African Demographic and Health Surveys (SADHS) of 1998 and Zimbabwean Demographic and Health Surveys (ZDHS) of 1999. The results from this dissertation show that major significant determinants contributing to early childbearing are the age of sexual debut; childhood place of residence; highest level of education attained; socio-economic status; and ethnicity and sex of household head. The results of this dissertation make an important contribution to the growing knowledge base of Sub-Saharan African early childbearing research. Its recommendations are based on the findings of the determinants contributing to high levels of childbearing, which can be used for planning and policy development towards adolescent fertility prevention. / Thesis (M.A.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban.

The study aimed at investigating the impact of alcohol on the sexual behaviour of male adolescents, with the purpose of establishing whether a relationship exists between alcohol use and risky sexual behaviour (i.e. multiple partners, unprotected, and unplanned sex) by adolescent males. Data was collected by means of an anonymous, self-administered questionnaire. The sample consisted of 176 male high school learners, aged between 14 and 25, from one school in the Nkonkobe Municipality, Eastern Cape Province. The Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) was used to obtain data analyses which included descriptive statistics and cross-tabulation (with specific reference to Chi-square analysis), and all procedures were performed at 0.05 level of significance with 95% Confidence Interval. A relationship between alcohol use and risky sexual behaviour was found to exist. A statistically significant correlation was found in support of the alcohol/risky sex hypothesis. Another significant finding was the increase noted in safer sex practises among adolescents. Finally, the findings were correlated to implications.

The purpose of this study was to explore and describe the positive values of masculinity and the role of a man in the prevention of HIV and AIDS and teenage pregnancy in order to develop a health education handbook for young Zulu men. The objectives of this study were to  identify expectations of a man of essence  describe the man’s role in the prevention of HIV and AIDS and teenage pregnancy  develop a health education handbook for young men in developing positive values of masculinity Continuing transmission of HIV and high teenage pregnancy causes concern about the effectiveness of risk reduction measures. Masculinity is associated with risky sexual behaviour. A qualitative, descriptive, exploratory and contextual study explored the positive values of masculinity and the role of a man of essence in the prevention of HIV/AIDS and teenage pregnancy. Semi-structured interviews with interview guides were conducted to collect data among Zulu men aged 18-24 years residing in Nquthu sub-district in northern KwaZulu-Natal. Twenty-one participants from three villages of Tribal Authority 8, namely villages 3, 7 and 9, were interviewed. Data were analyzed thematically and manually. Follow-up interviews were conducted with participants who had committed to a plan of action to prevent HIV infection and teenage pregnancy. The study found that a man of a kind embraced gender equality and the education of women; treated women well, and used traditional/cultural or religious and modern methods to prevent HIV and teenage pregnancy. According to social norms, the participants were expected to have sex with or without a condom. Social support came from parents, grandparents, teachers and health care workers. The participants appeared to lack role models; some preferred to buy condoms, and some used condoms inconsistently. Some experienced problems such as pressure to have sex or girlfriends. A contribution of this study was the development of a health education handbook for young men to develop into men of essence through positive values of masculinity and prevent HIV/AIDS and teenage pregnancy. / Health Studies / Ph. D. (Nursing)