Degree of Masters in Public Health by coursework and research report
Maternal and Child
Johannesburg, March 2012 / Adolescent sexual behaviour related to low condom-use and early sexual debut has
been a concern in the transmission of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and HIV.
Treatment-seeking behaviour is a problem in adolescents due to embarrassment and
unfriendly health care services. The Birth to Twenty study group (Bt20) is a cohort of
singletons born in 1990 with approximately 10% having tested positive for STIs at an
early age. Their sexually activity and unprotected sex practices have increased their risk
for HIV infection. The objectives of this study were to explore the perceptions, sexual
behaviour and treatment-seeking behaviour of a sample of girls who had a previous STI,
through their narratives.
One-on-one narrative interviews were done on 19 girls with the aid of an interview
schedule. A life history of their sexual encounters was documented. The interviews were
taped and transcribed. Thematic analysis was performed.
The majority of the girls had no knowledge of STIs before they were counselled by the
Bt20 nurses yet 50% of the girls used condoms in their first sexual experiences. Once
counselled, almost all the girls went on to seek treatment for their STI. A third of the girls
reported poor service at the clinic and would prefer to be treated either privately or at
Bt20 if possible. Information regarding the role of STIs in the transmission of HIV seems
to be unclear. Improving the life orientation programme at schools with a focus on STIs
and pregnancy would positively impact on HIV transmission. One-on-one counselling is
effective but may not be feasible in under-resourced communities and the continued
education of nurses in clinics, whilst increasing the number of adolescent friendly clinics,
must be prioritised.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:netd.ac.za/oai:union.ndltd.org:wits/oai:wiredspace.wits.ac.za:10539/13724 |
| Date | January 2012 |
| Creators | Quan, Vanessa Cecilia |
| Source Sets | South African National ETD Portal |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis |
| Format | application/pdf, application/pdf, application/pdf, application/pdf, application/pdf, application/pdf |
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