Assey AB; International Conference on AIDS (15th : 2004 : Bangkok, Thailand).
Int Conf AIDS. 2004 Jul 11-16; 15: abstract no. C11787.
Muhimbili Orthopaedic Institute/Muhimbili University College of Health Sciences, Dar es salaam, Tanzania
Background: The study examines the current update of HIV/AIDS with special interests in youths in Africa; their proportion in general population and prevalence of HIV/AIDS among them. The causal factors of their vulnerability are reviewed in great detail. Such aspects like socioeconomy, issues of urbanization, lack of access to proper information, and absence of user friendly services to youths in sexual and reproductive health. Secondly, the trend of the pandemic in selected areas in Africa and their implication to youth vulnerability is examined with special interest. Lastly, the few initiatives that have been underway to curb the scourge of HIV/AIDS are cited from few selected areas with examination of their achievements and hurdles met over time. Methods: The project itself using questionaires attempted to do a surveillance of trends in behaviours/traditions/customs/ and knowledge relevant to influencing HIV/AIDS among youths. In sexual behaviour we looked into issues pertaining proper information provision, and other preventive measures. Sociodemographic characteristics were obtained and assessed. Then knowledge on STDs was assessed. Results: Majority of the interviewed youth were single, urban respondents has more knowledge on the disease than their rural counterparts. Females had their first sex earlier than males with level of education acting as a determinant. Women had no rights in sexual negotiation as well as condom use, and general knowledge on HIV/AIDS was generally high. Many youths didn't know VCT and knowledge of STD was generally very low and perverted. Conclusion: We still have a lot to do to save this vulnerable youth group. Friendly Reproductive Health Services should be advocated by all players in the fight against HIV/AIDS. We should also think of improving socio-economic status of the general population hence they can avail proper education, health information, health services, and will have power to decide and choose what they want.
Publication Types:
Keywords:
- Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome
- Adolescent
- Africa
- Female
- HIV Infections
- HIV Seropositivity
- Humans
- Male
- Prevalence
- Reproductive Medicine
- Safe Sex
- Sexual Behavior
- Sexually Transmitted Diseases
Other ID:
UI: 102277422
From Meeting Abstracts