Determinants Of Risky Sexual Behaviour Research Articles

Determinants of Risky Sexual Behaviour among the Youths in Malawi

Determinants of Risky Sexual Behaviour among the Youths in Malawi

Determinants of risky sexual behaviours among adolescents in Central African Republic, Eswatini and Ghana: evidence from multi-indicator cluster surveys

Despite the declining HIV/AIDS prevalence globally, nearly half of all new HIV infections still occur among youth, especially in sub-Saharan Africa. While determinants of risky sexual behaviour have received copious attention in the literature, we still lack multi-country studies that track regional changes in sexual risk among youth in sub-Saharan Africa. This study seeks to fill part of this gap by identifying the determinants of risky sexual behaviours among adolescents in Ghana, Central African Republic (CAR) and Eswatini (formerly Swaziland). We used nationally representative sample data from the Multi Indicator Cluster survey, round four (MICS4). Results of the descriptive analysis show that overall consistent condom use is still extremely low in sub-Saharan Africa. In Ghana, only 8.5% of male youth and 7% of female youth consistently use condoms. In CAR this figure is 8% and 4% in male youth and female youth respectively. In Eswatini, with one of highest HIV prevalence in the world, the prevalence of consistent condom use is at 29% in males and 20% in females, higher than both in Ghana and CAR. Results of hierarchical models show that age at first sex does not predict risky sexual behaviour in Ghana, but it does predict risky sexual behaviour in CAR although only among young males. In Swaziland, age at first sex predicts risky sexual behaviour in both male and female youth but the relationship is not in the expected direction. Low socio-economic status predicts inconsistent condom use in all the three countries, but only among young females. This paper provides relevant policy lessons and recommendations.

Determinants of Risky Sexual Behaviors among Students of Mizan Aman College of Health Science, Southwest Ethiopia: Cross- Sectional Study

Determinants of Risky Sexual Behaviors among Students of Mizan Aman College of Health Science, Southwest Ethiopia: Cross- Sectional Study

Social determinants associated with risky sexual behaviors among men who inject drugs in Kermanshah, Western Iran

ABSTRACTBackground: Limited studies exist on risky sexual behaviors and sociodemographic variables among people who use drugs. Understanding the social determinants of risky sexual behaviors is important for designing appropriate HIV/AIDS interventions. Therefore, to illuminate this uncharted area, we aimed to investigate the social determinants of risky sexual behaviors among people who inject drugs (PWID) in Kermanshah, Iran.Methods: Cross-sectional data were analyzed from the HIV Behavioral Surveillance among PWID, conducted from 2013 to 2014 in Kermanshah, Iran. Additional data were collected by holding interviews to acquire information on sociodemographic characteristics (i.e., age, educational), history of substance use (i.e., age of initiation, use of specific drug types in the past 6 months), sexual behaviors including consistent condom use (yes/no), and type of sexual partners (main, casual, exchange). We analyzed variables individually through bivariate analysis and subsequently ran significant variables (P < 0.2) in a multivariate regression model. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression were conducted in Stata 11.Results: Participants were between the age of 14 and 78 years (median = 31 years; SD = 11.23 years). Compared to PWIDs who reported no sexual risk behavior, participants that were more likely to partake in sexual risk behaviors were those of low (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 3.2, P < 0.05) or moderate (AOR = 2.2, P < 0.05) socioeconomic status and methamphetamine use (AOR = 2.8, P < 0.05).Conclusion: A key finding of this study is that PWID who reported having multiple sex partners with inconsistent condom use were more likely to experience poly-drug use, methamphetamine use, being of low socioeconomic and education level, and refuse to attend harm reduction programs.

Individual- and Family-Level Determinants of Risky Sexual Behavior Among Swedish- and Foreign-Born Young Adults 18\u201330\xa0Years of Age, Residing in Sk\xe5ne, Sweden

In Sweden, various public health interventions have been performed to reduce risky sexual behaviors among young people and promote safer and positive approaches to sexuality, while attempting to bridge the gap between the less privileged or more vulnerable young people and their more privileged peers. This study aimed to compare the individual- and familial-level determinants of risky sexual behavior among foreign-born and Swedish-born young adults 18–30 years of age residing in Skåne, the south of Sweden. This was a cross-sectional study that used a questionnaire to collect data from 2968 randomly selected respondents between 18 and 30 years between January and March 2013. The associations were analyzed using chi-square tests, and simple and multiple logistic regression analyses. Younger age, i.e., individual-level factor, and living with only one parent or another person while growing up, i.e., familial-level factor, increased the risk of engaging in sexual risk taking for both Swedish- and foreign-born youth. Male gender was related to a higher risk of engaging in sexual risk-taking behaviors among foreign-born youth but was not as important as influence on sexual risk taking among Swedish-born youth. Parental education level, on the other hand, was significantly associated with sexual intercourse on the “first night” and early sexual debut solely among Swedish-born youth. Condom use was not associated with any family-level factor among both Swedish-born and foreign-born youth. The design of sexual reproductive health and rights messages and interventions to target risky sexual behavior among Swedish youth should take into consideration immigration status (for example, being Swedish-born or foreign-born), individual- and family-level characteristics, as well as the type of behavioral change or outcome desired.

Ecological correlates of multiple sexual partnerships among adolescents and young adults in urban Cape Town: a cumulative risk factor approach

Studies in South Africa have reported unsafe levels of risky sexual behvaiours among adolescents and young adults, with the country reporting the highest burden of HIV/AIDS globally, as well as a high rate of teenage pregnancy. While determinants of risky sexual behaviours have been investigated for factors occurring at the individual and household levels, not fully explored in the literature is the effect of community level factors. Furthermore, it is unclear whether risk factors occurring within the ecology of adolescents and young adults act cumulatively to influence their sexual practices. This article aims to address this knowledge gap using a case study of the Cape Area Panel Study of adolescents and young adults in urban Cape Town, South Africa. The ecological framework was adopted to guide the selection of risk factors at the individual, household, and community levels. Multivariate linear discriminant function analyses were used to select significant risk factors for multiple sexual partnerships and used to produce risk indices for the respondents. The cumulative risk approach was applied to test whether significant risk factors acted cumulatively. Findings point to the importance of ecological factors in influencing outcomes of multiple sexual partnerships among respondents and further demonstrate that ecological risk factors may act cumulatively. These findings are important for South Africa that is grappling with teenage pregnancy and disproportionate HIV epidemic among the youth.

Psychosocial Determinants of Risky Sexual Behavior among Senior High School Students in Merauke District

Adolescents aged 10-24 years old are susceptible group to premarital sex, drugs abuse, and HIV/AIDS infection. Papua is the largest contributor to AIDS/HIV number in Indonesia. To overcome such problem, Rutgers WPF formed Dunia Remajaku Seru!(DAKU!), an intervention program towards adolescent reproductive health at senior high school level. This study aimed to determine psychosocial determinants of risky sexual behavior among senior high school students in Merauke District through cross-sectional approach. Samples were 1,364 second grade students that got DAKU!Program and matching process wasconducted on schools that did not get DAKU!Program. Data analysis included univariate analysis, bivariate (chi square test) and multivariate (logistic regression test). Results showed that variables significantly related to adolescent risky sexual behavior were peer group with negative behavior, self-efficacy, parents’control, exposure to DAKU!Program and sex. Meanwhile, based on multivariate analysis, peer group with negative behavior (RP = 4.7 CI = 2.8 - 7.7) was the most dominant factor influencing risky sexual behavior.AbstrakRemaja usia 10-24 tahun merupakan kelompok yang rentan terhadap perilaku seksual pranikah, penyalahgunaan narkoba dan infeksi HIV/AIDS. Papua merupakan penyumbang angka HIV/AIDS terbesar di Indonesia. Untuk menanggulangi permasalahan tersebut Rutgers WPF membentuk suatu program intervensi kesehatan reproduksi remaja di tingkat sekolah menengah atas (SMA) yakni program Dunia Remajaku Seru! (DAKU!). Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui determinan psikososial perilaku seksual berisiko pada siswa SMA di Kabupaten Merauke dengan menggunakan pendekatan potong lintang. Sampel berjumlah 1.364 siswa SMA kelas dua yang mendapatkan program DAKU!dan dilakukan proses pencocokan pada sekolah yang tidak mendapat program DAKU!. Analisis data meliputi analisis univariat, bivariat (uji kai kuadrat) dan multivariat (uji regresi logistik). Hasil analisis menunjukkan bahwa variabel yang signifikan berhubungan dengan perilaku seksual berisiko remaja adalah kelompok teman sebaya dengan perilaku negatif, efikasi diri, kontrol orangtua, keterpaparandengan program DAKU!dan jenis kelamin. Sedangkan berdasarkan hasil analisis multivariat, kelompok teman sebaya dengan perilaku negatif merupakan faktor yang paling dominan memengaruhi perilaku seksual berisiko.

Sociocultural Determinants of Risky Sexual Behaviors among Adult Latinas: A Longitudinal Study of a Community-Based Sample.

Few studies have examined the sociocultural determinants of risky sexual behavior trajectories among adult Latinas. To longitudinally examine the link between sociocultural determinants of risky sexual behaviors, we followed a sample of adult Latina mother-daughter dyads (n = 267) across a 10-year span through four waves of data collection. The present study investigates how risky sexual behavior (operationalized as sex under the influence of alcohol or other drugs, sex without a condom, or multiple sex partners) is affected by: (a) socioeconomic conditions; (b) mental health; (c) medical health; (d) acculturation to U.S. culture; (e) interpersonal support; (f) relationship stress; (g) mother-daughter attachment; (h) intimate partner violence; (i) religious involvement; and (j) criminal justice involvement. Results indicate the following factors are negatively associated with risky sexual behavior: drug and alcohol use, treating a physical problem with prescription drugs, religious involvement, and mother–daughter attachment. The following factors are positively associated with risky sexual behavior: higher number of mental health symptoms, being U.S.-born, and criminal justice involvement. We discuss implications for the future development of culturally relevant interventions based on the study findings.

Psychosocial Determinants of Risky Sexual Behaviour by Gender in Spain

Psychosocial Determinants of Risky Sexual Behaviour by Gender in Spain

Factor associated with risky sexual behaviors among the French general population.

Despite prevention programs, a rising incidence of sexually transmitted infections is currently reported in France. Research factors associated with risky sexual behaviors (RSBs) among the French population. Subjects aged 15-54 years from the French national survey 'Baromètre santé 2010' were included (n = 16 598). RSB was defined as having multiple partners or failure to use condom at first intercourse with a new partner over past 12 months. Factors associated were identified using one logistic regression by gender. The overall RSB prevalence was 9.5%, being higher among men (P < 0.001). Factors associated with RSB for both genders were young age (OR = 1.5), single status (men: OR = 7.1; women: OR = 6.4), homosexual relations (men: OR = 2.0; women: OR = 3.2), low incomes (men: OR = 1.5; women: OR = 1.4), use of cannabis (men: OR = 1.4; women: OR = 3.0). Men-specific factors were history of STI (OR = 2.5) and alcohol drunkenness (OR = 2.2), and women-specific factors history of suicide attempt (OR = 1.6) and history of sexual assault (OR = 1.6). Confirming most of known determinants of RSB, this study also identified some specific risky patterns for whom preventive actions can be developed: multiusers of psychoactive substances, people living with low incomes, women having sex with women or presenting history of psychological vulnerability (suicide attempts, sexually harassed).

Determinants of Risky Sexual Behaviour Among Preparatory School Students in Gurage Zone, SNNPR, Ethiopia (A Cross-Sectional School Based Study)

Background: There is growing evidence suggesting that young people in school are practicing risky sexual behavior. Ethiopian young people age 10 – 24 years have emerged as the segments of the population most vulnerable to a broad spectrum of serious sexual health problems including STI/HIV, unwanted pregnancy and unsafe abortion. Objectives: To identify factors determining risky sexual behavior among preparatory school students. Methods: A cross-sectional quantitative study design was employed among preparatory school students in Gurage zone (SNNPR) from May to June 2009. The study participants were selected using multistage sampling. A structured self administered questionnaire was used to collect data from the participants. Results: A total of 418 participants with a response rate of 97.6% were enrolled in the study. A significant proportion of the participants 108(25.8%) were sexually initiated. About 66.6% of them were sexually active in the last one year. The overall condom use at first sexual debut was only 39.8%. Out of 108 sexually active students, 58(53.7%) had had multiple sexual practice. About 62% of the participants who practiced sex had history of sexually transmitted infection. Female students who engaged in sexual practice, 17(44.7%) encountered unwanted pregnancy and 16(94%) of them committed unsafe abortion, of which 4(25%) committed more than two abortion. Multivariate analysis showed age, poor parental attachment and substance use were significantly associated with risky sexual behavior of young students in school. Conclusion: The study has revealed that young people in preparatory schools, despite having good knowledge about their sexual health and its unwanted consequences, a significant proportion of them were found to be sexually at risk. Institutionalization of youth friendly service, condom promotion, open and regular discussion with main actor, and wide rage further studies seem to be compulsory.

Determinants of Risky Sexual Behavior, Relation between HIV Risk Perception and Condom Utilization among Wollega University Students in Nekemte Town, Western Ethiopia

Students of Higher Education Institutions are assets of the society and change agents in filling the gap in the past and on whom the future generation is based. Neglecting their sexual and reproductive health can lead to high social and economic costs, both immediately and in the years ahead. This study tried to assess the determinants of risky sexual behavior, relation between HIV risk perception and condom utilization among University students in Western Ethiopia. The study was applied institution based cross-sectional study design triangulated with qualitative study. Multivariate logistic regression analysis with crude odds ratio was used. Partial correlation and linear regression was used to assess the applicability of Theory of Planned Behavior model in predicting intention to use condom and other variables. A pre-tested interviewer administered questionnaire was used to collect data. About 49.1% of students ever had sexual intercourse. Of these, 50.7% had their first sex before joining the university. Almost half (50.2%) had two and more than two life time sexual partners. Having multiple sexual partners was significantly associated with consistent condom use [AOR=1.98; 95%CI: 1.63, 2.94]. About 46.1% thought that, they were at high risk of getting HIV infection and 61.3% reported consistent condom use with non-regular partner. In this study, Theory of Planned Behavior explained 39.3% of variances in intention to consistent condom use. This study has shown that, a substantial proportion of the students engaged in risky sexual. Information, education and communication/ behavioral change communication on risk perception, life, assertive and communication skills training and promotion of peer-education should be strengthened.Keywords: Condom Utilization Risk Perception Risky Sexual Behaviors Theory of Planned Behavior Wollega University

Sexuality and sexual reproductive health of disabled young people in Ethiopia.

In Ethiopia, young people with disabilities (YPWD) are often marginalized and not recognized as being sexual, and only little is known about their sexual reproductive health (SRH) status. We therefore aimed to assess the SRH status and associated factors among 426 YPWD in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. A cross-sectional survey was conducted in 2012. Data were collected by trained interviewers using a structured questionnaire. Fifty-two percent of YPWD ever had sexual intercourse. Seventy-five percent started sex between 15 and 19 years. Only 35% had used contraceptive during their first sexual encounter. Fifty-nine percent of the sexually experienced YPWD had multiple lifetime sexual partners; 19%, a casual sexual partner; and 21%, a commercial sexual partner. Only 48% consistently used condoms with their casual or commercial sexual partners. Twenty-four percent of the sexually experienced YPWD had a history of sexually transmitted infections. Our findings indicate that YPWD in Ethiopia are sexually active, but also highly involved in risky sexual practices. There is a need for in-depth research to better understand the determinants of risky sexual behavior and to propose preventive approaches.

Migration and sexual behaviour among youth in Nairobi’s slum areas

Migration remains an important event in the urbanization process. However, research evidence indicates that migration is associated with negative outcomes. For migrant youth, migration often coincides with leaving home and divesting of parental authority and controls. This study investigates migration as a determinant of risky sexual behaviours and the factors influencing the timing of first sex among migrant youth. We used data collected between 2006 and 2008 from youth aged 12-22 years living in two slums in Nairobi. We use Cox proportional hazards model for timing of first sex among migrants and logistic regression for determinants of risky sexual behaviour. Migration is important for number of sexual partners but not for sexual debut. The risk of initiating first sex soon after in-migration is higher for youth with problem behaviour. Among adolescents in Nairobi’s slums, migration is not associated with a higher risk of engaging in risky sexual behaviour. However, youth with problem behaviour face a higher risk of initiating sex soon after migration.

Male Rural-to-Urban Migrants and Risky Sexual Behavior: A Cross-Sectional Study in Shanghai, China

This study examined the prevalence and the determinants of risky sexual behavior (defined as having multiple sex partners and paying for sex) among male rural-to-urban migrants in China. An anonymous questionnaire was used to collect information on socio-demographics, knowledge, attitudes, and behavior associated with increased risk of risky sexual behavior from 4,069 subjects. In total 1,132 (27.8%) participants reported two or more sex partners and 802 (19.7%) participants paid for sex. A considerable proportion (29.6%–41.5%) did not use a condom during risky sexual behavior. Logistic regression analysis revealed that unmarried status (OR: 0.62, CI: 0.42–0.85 for married), earlier age at first sexual experience (OR: 0.67, 95% CI: 0.31–0.91 for ≥22 years old), poor perception of risk of acquiring HIV/AIDS (OR: 1.51, 95% CI: 1.33–1.96 for unlikely; OR: 2.38, 95% CI: 1.61–3.70 for impossible), frequent exposure to pornography (OR: 0.67, 95% CI: 0.60–0.81 for sometimes; OR: 0.31, 95% CI: 0.11–0.43 for never), attitudes toward legalization of commercial sex (OR: 0.39, 95% CI: 0.21–0.59 for no), peer influence (OR: 0.51, 95% CI: 0.27–0.88 for no), and not knowing someone who had/had died from HIV/AIDS (OR: 0.35, 95% CI: 0.20–0.53 for yes) were all significantly associated with having multiple sex partners. Those who paid for sex showed similar findings.

Promoting sexual and reproductive health among adolescents in southern and eastern Africa (PREPARE): project design and conceptual framework.

BackgroundYoung people in sub-Saharan Africa are affected by the HIV pandemic to a greater extent than young people elsewhere and effective HIV-preventive intervention programmes are urgently needed. The present article presents the rationale behind an EU-funded research project (PREPARE) examining effects of community-based (school delivered) interventions conducted in four sites in sub-Saharan Africa. One intervention focuses on changing beliefs and cognitions related to sexual practices (Mankweng, Limpopo, South Africa). Another promotes improved parent-offspring communication on sexuality (Kampala, Uganda). Two further interventions are more comprehensive aiming to promote healthy sexual practices. One of these (Western Cape, South Africa) also aims to reduce intimate partner violence while the other (Dar es Salaam, Tanzania) utilises school-based peer education.Methods/designA modified Intervention Mapping approach is used to develop all programmes. Cluster randomised controlled trials of programmes delivered to school students aged 12–14 will be conducted in each study site. Schools will be randomly allocated (after matching or stratification) to intervention and delayed intervention arms. Baseline surveys at each site are followed by interventions and then by one (Kampala and Limpopo) or two (Western Cape and Dar es Salaam) post-intervention data collections. Questionnaires include questions common for all sites and are partly based on a set of social cognition models previously applied to the study of HIV-preventive behaviours. Data from all sites will be merged in order to compare prevalence and associations across sites on core variables. Power is set to .80 or higher and significance level to .05 or lower in order to detect intervention effects. Intraclass correlations will be estimated from previous surveys carried out at each site.DiscussionWe expect PREPARE interventions to have an impact on hypothesized determinants of risky sexual behaviour and in Western Cape and Dar es Salaam to change sexual practices. Results from PREPARE will (i) identify modifiable cognitions and social processes related to risky sexual behaviour and (ii) identify promising intervention approaches among young adolescents in sub-Saharan cultures and contexts.Trial registrationsControlled Trials ISRCTN56270821 (Cape Town); Controlled Trials ISRCTN10386599 (Limpopo); Clinical Trials NCT01772628 (Kampala); Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ACTRN12613000900718 (Dar es Salaam).

Determinants of risky sexual behaviours among secondary school students in Delta State Nigeria

In the last three decades, it has been observed that there has been a substantial increase in the proportion of adolescents who engaged in sexual activity while at school. Using the survey design, this study investigated the perceived effect of emotional intelligence, self-esteem, religiosity and media on risky sexual behaviour of 300 secondary school students from 10 secondary schools within Asaba metropolis. Five instruments were administered to the participants selected for the study. Data were analysed with descriptive statistics and multiple regression analysis. The result indicated that the relationships among risky sexual behaviour and the independent variables were significant; however, the relationships between risky sexual behaviour and emotional intelligence/religiosity were negatively significant. About 43% of the variation of risky sexual behaviour among adolescents was accounted for by the independent variables, the most potent being religiosity. It was, however, recommended that incorporating emotional intelligence and self-esteem training into the school curriculum of students' religious activities should be encouraged as well to enhance moral development of adolescents.

Risky behaviours among young people living with HIV attending care and treatment clinics in Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania: implications for prevention with a positive approach

IntroductionPrevention with a positive approach has been advocated as one of the main strategies to reduce new instances of HIV infection. Risky sexual behaviours among people living with HIV/AIDS are the cornerstone for this approach. Understanding the extent to which infected individuals practice risky behaviours is fundamental in designing appropriate population-specific interventions. With the HIV infection transmission rates remaining high among young people in sub-Saharan Africa, continued prevention among them remains a priority. This study therefore seeks to describe the magnitude and determinants of risky sexual behaviours among young people living with HIV.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted between June and July 2010 in selected Care and Treatment Clinics (CTCs) in Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania. A total of 282 HIV-positive patients aged 15–24 were interviewed about their sexual behaviours using a questionnaire.ResultsPrevalence of unprotected sex was 40.0% among young males and 37.5% among young females (p<0.001). Multiple sexual partnerships were reported by 10.6% of males and 15.9% of females (p<0.005). More than 50% of the participants did not know about the HIV status of their sexual partners. A large proportion of participants had minimal knowledge of transmission (46.7% males vs. 60.4% females) and prevention (65.3% males vs. 73.4% females) of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Independent predictors of condom use included non-use of alcohol [adjusted odds ratio (AOR), 0.40 95% confidence interval (CI); 0.17–0.84] and younger age (15–19 years) (AOR, 2.76, 95% CI: 1.05–7.27). Being on antiretroviral therapy (AOR, 0.38, 95% CI: 0.17–0.85) and not knowing partners’ HIV sero-status (AOR, 2.62, 95% CI: 1.14–5.10) predicted the practice of multiple sexual partnership.ConclusionsUnprotected sex and multiple sexual partnerships were prevalent among young people living with HIV. Less knowledge on STI and lack of HIV disclosure increased the vulnerability and risk for HIV transmission among young people. Specific intervention measures addressing alcohol consumption, risky sexual behaviours, and STI transmission and prevention knowledge should be integrated in the routine HIV/AIDS care and treatment offered to this age group.

Determinants of risky sexual behavior and condom use among college students in China

The purposes of this study were to assess sexual behavior and condom use among Chinese college students, and to explore social-environmental and social-cognitive determinants associated with risky sexual behaviors within this population. A survey was conducted among 19,123 Chinese college students recruited through stratified cluster sampling. About 9% of the students reported having had sex (male=13.3%, female=5.0%, OR=2.918), 3.6% had multiple sexual partners (male=5.7%, female=1.6%, OR=3.624), and 0.9% had commercialized sex (male=1.6%, female=0.3%, OR=6.169). Only 24.8% of sexually active students had used a condom for every sexual encounter, and there was no significant difference in condom use between male students and female students. Logistic regression showed that sex (female, OR=0.769), age (older, OR=1.263), exposure to pornographic information (higher, OR=1.751), drinking (intoxication, OR=1.437), and smoking (OR=2.123–5.112) were all determinants of sexual behaviors. Path analysis showed that exposure to pornographic information, level of consumption, and sex education were important social-environmental factors of condom use. Condom use was more common among those who had greater HIV/AIDS knowledge, attitudes toward high-risk behavior, self-efficacy, and intent to use a condom. Intentions were the most important and direct factor influencing condom use. The study concluded that college students are vulnerable to sexually transmitted diseases – including HIV/AIDS infection – through sexual contact. Therefore, future HIV/AIDS prevention and safer sex interventions should focus on self-protection skills and target behavior change.

Psychosocial determinants of risky sexual behaviour amongst South African male prison inmates in KwaZulu-Natal and Mpumalanga Provinces.

To inform future intervention programmes, the purpose of this paper is to explore the psychosocial and contextual determinants of intention to reduce risky sexual behaviour amongst inmates in South African prisons. A cross sectional study using interviewer administered questionnaires was conducted with 357 inmates across four prison facilities in South Africa that were involved in a pre-release health education intervention for parolees in two provinces. About 65 per cent of participants were first time offenders. Almost 50 per cent were unemployed prior to arrest and 66 per cent were married at time of incarceration. Self-efficacy, general life skills efficacy and sexual communication were the strongest predictors of intention to reduce risky behaviour upon release. High intenders were significantly different from low intenders in their self-efficacy, sexual communication, attitudes towards condom use and the perceived norm of sex being a non-utilitarian transaction. One of the key limitations is the low literacy levels amongst prison inmates. Data also relied heavily on self reports of behaviours that may have occurred prior to the participants being incarcerated. It is concluded that the exploration of subpopulation specific behavioural determinants is a critical step in the development of effective, contextually-relevant, health education interventions.