This study investigated the factors contributing to sexual behaviours and the extent of rural adolescent’s involvement in risky sexual behaviour. A quantitative research design was used based on the Theory of Planned Behaviour which informed the questionnaire to be used. Participants comprised of 60 adolescents, 16-19 years old, who were recruited from a rural school in eThekwini Metro, KwaZulu–Natal province, in South Africa. Data was collected using a self-administered questionnaire developed and adapted by the researcher. This questionnaire comprised of questions regarding socio-demographic issues, adolescent knowledge of HIV and AIDS, communication (with partner, friends and parents), self-efficacy in relationships, consequences of unprotected sex, perceptions regarding future risks of HIV/AIDS, STIs, and pregnancy, as well as various questions pertaining to sexual activity including use of condoms. The Statistical Package for Social Scientists (SPSS 13) was used for the data analysis. Frequencies were calculated for each item. Chi-square analysis was conducted to determine the association between demographic variables of gender and age and the items related to HIV transmission that showed some variation on the response categories. Independent samples T-tests were conducted in order to explore whether significant differences occurred in the mean scores for the two groups male and female including younger and older age groups and various continuous variables. The study revealed that the majority of adolescents have a high level of knowledge regarding HIV. The adolescents also seemed to have high level of self-efficacy regarding the use of condoms, which is a good foundation for the prevention of teenage pregnancies and HIV infection. The findings also indicate that family disorganization, lack of communication between adolescent and their parents, and poor access to health information are some of the factors influencing adolescent sexual behaviour. Even though adolescent knowledge about HIV, and skills involving communication with friends and partners and condom use were found to be good, peer influence, gender-role expectations, norms and values still influences the engagement by adolescents in unsafe sexual activities. The study also revealed that issues like lack of access to health information still remain a challenge to most adolescents, which needs urgent attention from health authorities. The results of this study indicate a need for the department of health to revisit some of their programmes and strategies to deal with issues identified by this study as weaknesses, as most of the current health programmes are aimed at increasing knowledge and self-efficacy. It is also recommended that health programmes aimed at peers norms, values and cultures be implemented in order to positively influence adolescents’ sexual behaviours. The majority of adolescents (75%) indicated that they are using condoms when having sexual intercourse with their partners, while others showed positive attitude towards condom use and indicated intention to continue engaging in safer sex. These findings can be attributed to multi-sectoral interventions, especially interventions by the National Department of Health and Education as well as other Agencies. / Thesis (M.A.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 2009.

ABSTRACT Although sub-Saharan Africa continues to bear the brunt of the global HIV/AIDS pandemic and other sexually transmitted diseases (UNAIDS and WHO 2008; Fatusi and Wang 2009), very few studies in the region and for that matter Ghana have systematically and exclusively examined adolescent risky sexual behaviour in a manner that is theoretically consistent with the unique socio-cultural norms that govern sexuality in the society. Given that involvement in risky sexual behaviour constitutes sexual deviance in the Ghanaian context, and from the ontological position that behaviour is a product of structure and human agency (Sewell 1992), this study extends the theories of social control (Hirschi 1969), power control (Hagan et al. 1979, 1985,1987, 2002; McCarthy et al. 1999) and rational choice (Cornish and Clarke 1986) in examining the predictors of risky sexual behavior among Ghanaian adolescents. Using the 2004 Ghana National Adolescent Survey data (N=3985), the study employs descriptive statistics, measures of association and complementary log-log regression models in predicting the likelihood of being sexually active before marriage, having more than one lifetime sexual partner and condom use. Overall findings provide mixed support for the theoretical expectations. From the perspective of Hirschi’s control theory, the findings suggest among others that while some measures of conventional behaviour do not discourage premarital sex, they do so with respect to multiple sexual partnerships. A puzzle that needs further elaboration is the finding that highly educated adolescents who hold leadership positions have a higher significant taste for premarital sex and multiple sexual relations than their uneducated counterparts who are not leaders. Overall findings regarding the predictions of power control theory are consistent with the revised version offered by McCarthy and Colleagues (1999) and Hagan and colleagues (2002); that daughters in less patriarchal or matriarchal households are more likely than sons to have premarital sex and be in multiple sexual partnerships. Findings regarding the predictions of rational theory suggest a mixed rationality; condom use among adolescents in many instances is inconsistent with rational choice behaviour. General and specific policy implications of the findings and direction for future research are also discussed. / Thesis (Master, Sociology) -- Queen's University, 2010-07-31 02:18:09.013

No description available.

This study explores young men understandings of, and engagement in, risky sexual behaviours. The group of young men the study focuses on is in a high school in Lesotho. They are aged between 16 and 17 years. The motivation for the study is that, despite a series of campaigns designed to increase awareness and knowledge associated with sexually transmitted diseases, especially HIV/AIDS, young boys in Lesotho continue to engage in risky sexual behaviours and practices. It is in this context that the purpose of the study was to investigate how gender power is intimately tied in with meanings young men in Lesotho attach to sexuality. The related aspect investigated in this study, furthermore, was to investigate ways in which gender power operates, and ultimately contribute into boys’ and girls’ risky sexual behaviours that make them vulnerable to the HIV/AIDS pandemic. The study employs qualitative research methods to achieve these aims and, accordingly, utilises focus group and individual interviews, with six purposively selected high school boys as research instruments. The findings reveal that, while some boys engage in risky sexual practices, others express determination to practice safe sex. Thus, the study reveals that despite the fact that some boys are engaged in unsafe sexual practises and multiple sexual partners in heterosexual relationships to comply with the notion of masculinity and societal expectations of MANHOOD, others are beginning to question such attitudes. There is therefore multiple and varied perspectives on this issue among the small sample selected for this study. / Thesis (M.Ed.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 2012.

In South Africa statistics of mortality and morbidity, pertaining to the consequences of risk taking behaviour among the country's youth, remain unacceptably high. Many of these behaviours have long as well as short term consequences, thereby, giving rise to many illnesses, lifestyle diseases, and other problems. The risk-taking activities confining this study include those that are known to concur and co-vary namely: unprotected, indiscriminate sex; nicotine use; alcohol and other drug/substance abuse; and unsafe travelling practices. The problem is that it is unknown whether South African adolescents are receiving health education that reduces risk-taking tendencies, and if they are, whether they are benefiting from the exposure. Little is known about the relationship between health-education and health-compromising behaviour in South Africa; nor the influence of other variables on this relationship. The purpose of the study was to describe and explore this relationship, among South African adolescents, attending an institution of tertiary education in the province of KwaZulu Natal. All aspects of the research were underpinned by Rosenstock's Health Belief Model (1974). The research was approached from a quantitative perspective using a descriptive/exploratory design. A sample of 155 students from all the main ethnic groups, of both sexes, aged between 17 and 24 years, who were raised and educated in South Africa, was taken from the Howard College Campus of the University of KwaZulu Natal. The sampling technique used was non-random quota sampling in order to meet the above mentioned inclusion criteria. The / Thesis (M.N.)-University of KwaZulu, Natal. 2006.

This study examined heterogeneity in adolescents experimentation with partnered sexual behaviours. Participants were 88 high school students in Edmonton, Alberta (M age = 16.59, SD = .95). Students completed surveys online once per two months from December, 2008 through December, 2009. Surveys tracked students reports of seven sexual behaviours ranging in intimacy from holding hands to intercourse. Growth mixture models were used to sort students trajectories of sexual behaviours across months into latent classes based on similar profiles. The best-fitting model revealed three distinct classes, labeled inexperienced, experimenting, and experienced. Students classified as inexperienced primarily reported only lower-intimacy, non-genital sexual behaviours across months, and many reported no sexual behaviours. Students classified as experimenting and experienced reported similar levels of higher-intimacy sexual behaviours across months. Most experimenting students behaviours appeared to increase gradually from less to more intimate, whereas experienced students appeared to make abrupt transitions between lower- and higher-intimacy behaviours, month-to-month. Demographic, personal, peer, and family variables provided additional information that increased distinction among classes, and explained residual within-class heterogeneity. The probability of being classified as inexperienced was highest for students who were younger, reported fewer sexually experienced friends, and lower parent behavioural control. Students who reported higher parent behavioural control had the highest probability of being classified as experimenting. Relations between trajectories of sexual behaviour intimacy and risk factors (e.g., later pubertal timing, fewer problem behaviours) and protective-enhancing resources (e.g., higher psychosocial maturity, more intimate friendships) varied across classes. This study shows that there are multiple pathways of experimentation with sexual behaviour in adolescence. Results are consistent both with studies that emphasize the potential for sex in adolescence to be high-risk, and with studies and arguments that emphasize the potential for sex in adolescence to play an important preparatory role toward healthy adult sexual functioning. Theoretical arguments and discussion are guided by a person-centered, developmental systems approach.

<p>Adolescents&rsquo / sexual activity is associated with maternal and child health problems, and sexually transmitted infections including HIV/AIDS. The aim of this study was to assess the sexual behaviour patterns of adolescent schoolgirls and the level of knowledge they have with regard to the prevention and transmission of HIV infection, as well as to determine which factors are associated with their various sexual behaviour patterns. A cross-sectional descriptive survey of 420 adolescent schoolgirls aged 15 to 19 years, from 3 of the 9 secondary schools situated in Petauke District, in rural Zambia, was conducted. The sample of schoolgirls was obtained using a multi-stage systemic sampling technique.</p>

This thesis examines aspects of the prevention of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) in the Australian community, with a particular emphasis on HIV/AIDS in the context of general practice (or primary care settings). The work has four broad aims: i) To describe the primary prevention of sexually transmitted diseases, following from the arrival of the HIV/AIDS pandemic in Australia ii) To describe HIV/STD risk behaviour iii) To summarise previously known evidence of interventions to reduce risk and to raise awareness of HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases iv) To contribute new evidence addressing the potential of the general practitioners' role in HIV/STD prevention The first chapter gives a brief review of the history of HIV/AIDS from its discovery in the United States of America to its appearance in Australia and New Zealand, and discusses the Australian response strategies, both initial and continuing, to confine the epidemic. Specifically, the arrival of HIV/AIDS gave rise to increasing awareness of sexually transmitted diseases, which hitherto, although sometimes chronic, were rarely fatal. The public health risk of HIV necessitated swift government action and led to wider acceptance of publicity about sexual behaviour. Although the thesis does not concentrate solely on HIV, this is still an emphasis. This chapter provides useful background to ensuing chapters. Chapter Two provides an overview of behavioural risk in sexually transmitted diseases. It gives a review of risk factor prevalence studies, and introduces risk behaviour and cognitive models of behaviour change, as applied to STD risk. Sexual behaviour is a complex social interaction, usually involving more than one person, and relying on the personality and behaviour patterns intrinsic to the individuals taking part. It is therefore perhaps more challenging to alter than behaviour which is undertaken alone, being dependent on the behaviour and intentions of both parties. Moreover, comprehensive assessment of sexual risk behaviour requires very detailed information about each incident. Its private nature makes accurate data difficult to obtain, and sexual risk behaviour is, correspondingly, difficult to measure. Chapter Three reviews the effectiveness of interventions tested in primary health care settings to reduce sexual risk behaviour. The candidate uses a replicable method to retrieve and critique studies, comparable with standards now required by the Cochrane Collaboration. From 22 studies discussed, nine health interventions were short, 'one-shot', efforts owing to limited time, resources and other practical constraints. This review demonstrates the scarcity of interventions with people who may be perceived as 'low-risk'. Only four interventions were carried out in community health centres and two in university health clinics. One of the university interventions showed no change in sexual behaviour in any of three arms of the intervention (Wenger, Greenberg et al 1992) while the other showed an increase in condom use in both groups, although the intervention group's self-efficacy and assertiveness also improved (Sikkema, Winett & Lombard 1995). The rationale for the intervention, where given, is described. Chapter Four analyses the content, format and quality of sexual health information brochures available in New South Wales at the time of the candidate's own planning for an interventional study. One of the most effective ways to disseminate information widely is by the use of educational literature, especially when the subject material is potentially sensitive or embarrassing to discuss in person. In this chapter, the candidate reviews the literature available at the time of designing the intervention used in Chapter Five. Readability, attractiveness, clarity and the accurate presentation of facts about sexually transmitted disease risk are examined for each pamphlet. Forty-seven pamphlets were scored according to the Flesch formula, and twenty-four of these scored in the 'fairly' to 'very difficult' range. There was, therefore, a paucity of easy-to-read material on these subjects. Chapter Five evaluates a general practitioner-based counselling intervention to raise awareness of sexually transmitted diseases and to modify HIV/STD risk behaviour. While adults aged 18-25 are less likely than older cohorts to have a regular general practitioner or to visit often, most people visit a general practitioner at least once a year. This could provide an opportunity for the general practitioner to raise preventive health issues, especially with infrequent attendees. As the effectiveness of an opportunistic intervention about sexual risk behaviour was yet to be tested, the candidate designed an innovative randomised controlled trial to raise awareness of risk and increase preventive behaviour. The participation rate was 90% and 76% consented to followup; however the attrition rate meant that overall only 52% of the original participants completed the follow-up questionnaire. The intervention proved easy and acceptable both to GPs and to patients, and risk perception had increased at three months' follow-up; however this occurred in both the control (odds ratio 2.6) and the intervention group, whose risk perception at baseline was higher (odds ratio 1.3). In order to establish some markers of risk in the general population, Chapter Six analyses data resulting from questions on sexual behaviour asked in the Central Sydney section of the NSW Health Survey. The candidate advocated for inclusion of relevant questions to determine some benchmarks of sexual risk behaviour and to provide an indication of condom use among heterosexuals. Although limited in scope as a result of competing priorities for questions in the survey, results demonstrate that, while a small percentage of people were at risk, those with higher levels of partner change or of alcohol use were the most likely to always use condoms. Specifically, 100% of those with more than four new partners in the last 12 months had used condoms with every new partner. In addition, 'heavy' alcohol users were more likely to report condom use every time with new partners (odds ratio 0.34). To furnish data to inform future planning of educational activities for general practitioners, Chapter Seven presents the results of a survey of Central Sydney general practitioners' opinions and current practices in HIV risk reduction with in the broader context of sexually transmitted disease prevention. The general practitioner is in an ideal position to provide information and advice, especially if future research affirms the impact of such advice on STD risk behaviour. General practitioners in this study said they would be slightly more likely to discuss sexual health matters with young patients than with older ones (p=0.091), but this was not significant. The most cited barrier to discussing sexual health was inadequate remuneration for taking time to do so (over 50% gave this reason). The next most cited obstacle was difficulty in raising the subject of STDs or HIV in routine consultations, but this reason was given by less than half the sample. Forty-six percent had participated in continuing medical education programs in STDs, HIV/AIDS, or hepatitis diagnosis or management; 32% of GPs had patients with HIV, and 55% of all GPs indicated they would like more training in management and continuity of care of HIV patients. Approximately half (51%) wanted more training in sexuality issues, including sexual dysfunction. Chapter Eight reviews the whole thesis and discusses future directions for the research agenda.

Thesis (Ph.D.)-- University of Adelaide, Dept. of Animal Sciences,1983. / Typescript (photocopy). Includes bibliographical references (leaves 198-259).

Background: Voluntary HIV counselling and testing (VCT) is considered one of the key strategies in the prevention and control of HIV/AIDS in South Africa. However its role in modifying risky sexual behaviour among patients tested as HIV-negative (primary prevention) is controversial. Objective: This study was intended to demonstrate the likelihood of VCT reducing risky sexual practices among patients testing sero-negative for HIV infection. Methods: This is a quantitative cross-sectional survey that took place over a period of 3½ months in a district hospital in rural South Africa. A self-administered questionnaire was completed by 54 patients who had VCT and tested sero-negative for HIV infection during the previous 12 months (Study Group). The same questionnaire was filled in by 61 patients who had never received VCT before (Control Group). Both groups consisted of women and men aged 18 years or older. Socio-demographic information, sexual behaviour, willingness to disclose the HIV sero-status with the sexual partner, and readiness to have VCT were asked in the survey. To compare differences between two independent proportions the Pearson Chi-square test was used. Significant results were regarded as a p-value of less than 0, 05, which was taken as an indication of association between VCT and the variable being measured. Results: The median age of our sample was 29 years (Interquartile Range 24-40), with most of the respondents (38 %) between the ages of 26 and 35 years. More than 90 % of patients in both groups reported being sexually active. Sexual intercourse with more than one partner was significantly lower in the Study group (p=0,003). Those who had never received VCT before had a higher (although not significant) incidence of episodes of unprotected sexual intercourse and symptoms of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) (81, 9 % and 42, 6 % respectively) when compared to the study group (77, 7 % and 35, 1 %). Most of the participants in both groups did not consider the disclosing of their sero-status an issue of concern for their sexual partner(s). Readiness to receive VCT was significantly higher in the study group (p=0, 02). Conclusions: In this study, people who tested sero-negative for HIV through VCT showed a significant decrease in the number of sexual partners as compared to the control group who did not undergo VCT. The VCT group had less unprotected sexual intercourse and less symptoms of STIs than the control group.