Risky Sex Research Articles

Prevalence and Predictors of Risky Sexual Behavior in HIV-Infected Adolescents: A Study from Kaduna, Nigeria

Background: The prevalence of risky sexual behavior among HIV-infected adolescents is a public health challenge, especially in regions with a high HIV burden like Sub-Saharan Africa. This study explores the prevalence and predictors of such behaviors among adolescents receiving care in a youth-friendly clinic in Kaduna, Nigeria. Methods: In a cross-sectional study conducted at a tertiary hospital's youth-friendly clinic, we analyzed data from 200 HIV-infected adolescents aged 13 to 19 years. The revised Risky Sexual Behaviour Questionnaire (RSBQ) provided comprehensive data, which was subjected to logistic regression analysis to identify significant predictors of risky sexual behaviors. Results: The study found a 45% prevalence of risky sexual behaviors among participants. Logistic regression analysis indicated significant predictors including male gender (OR = 2.1), lower education level (OR = 2.5), and poor HIV-related knowledge (OR = 2.8). Conclusions: Nearly half of the HIV-infected adolescents engaged in risky sexual practices, with significant predictors identified across gender, education, and HIV knowledge domains. These findings underscore the urgent need for targeted educational and behavioral interventions tailored to this vulnerable population.

Pornography usage during adolescence: Does it lead to risky sexual behavior?

Are youths who consume pornography more likely to engage in risky sexual behaviors? Using longitudinal data from the National Study of Youth and Religion and an individual fixed effects strategy, this paper investigates the relationship between pornography use among 13- to 23-year-olds and a range of subsequent risky sexual behaviors. It also estimates a lagged dependent variable model where risky sexual behavior of the previous wave is included as a control. The findings suggest that moderate and frequent pornography use increases the likelihood of engaging in acts such as unprotected sex and having multiple sexual partners. Finally, a heterogeneity analysis by gender reveals that males and females behave differently in response to exposure to pornography, but that is true for only a few indicators of risky sex. The paper's findings provide critical information on determinants of risky sexual behavior and meaningful evidence for the policy debate on government censoring and monitoring online behavior.

A Behavioral Economic Examination of Sexual Behaviors in the Era of Pre-exposure Prophylaxis via Explanatory Sequential Mixed Methods.

Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) use may be associated with condom use decisions. The current investigation examined sexual decision-making in the context of PrEP among young adult men who have sex with men (MSM) between 18 and 30years old, using an explanatory sequential mixed methods design. For the quantitative aim, 99 MSM currently taking PrEP (i.e., PrEP-experienced) and 140 MSM not currently taking PrEP (i.e., PrEP-naive) completed an online survey, including the Sexual Delay Discounting Task (SDDT), which captures likelihood of condom use. For the qualitative aim, 15 people from each group were interviewed about their (1) conceptualizations of risky sex and (2) ways they manage their sexual risk. Participants were, on average, 25.69years old (SD = 3.07) and 64% White. Results from the quantitative aim revealed, controlling for covariates, PrEP-experienced participants exhibited significantly lower likelihood of (1) using an immediately available condom and (2) waiting for a delayed condom (i.e., sexual delay discounting) compared to PrEP-naive participants. Qualitative themes explaining what young adult MSM consider to be risky sex included: (1) any sex as risky sex, (2) risky sex as "sex without a conversation," and (3) risky sex as sex with risk for physical harm. Themes on ways young adult MSM manage sexual risk were classified as proactive, reactive, and passive. Results suggest that PrEP use is related to condom use decisions. Taken together, quantitative differences in sexual delay discounting, but qualitatively similar conceptualizations and management of risky sex, suggest that the SDDT may be a useful tool in sex research to capture processes (i.e., delay discounting) underlying sexual decision-making that may be missed by traditional self-reports. Implications of results, including potentially providing (good quality) condoms with every PrEP prescription, and future research topics are discussed.

Emotional reactivity linking assaultive trauma and risky behavior: Evidence of differences between cisgender women and men.

Accumulating evidence suggests that trauma exposure is positively associated with future engagement in risky behavior, such as substance misuse, aggression, risky sex, and self-harm. However, the psychological factors driving this association and their relevance across gender groups require further clarification. In a community sample of 375 adults with a high rate of trauma exposure (age range: 18-55 years, M = 32.98 years, SD = 10.64; 76.3% assaultive trauma exposure), we examined whether emotional reactivity linked lifetime assaultive trauma exposure with past-month risky behavior. We also explored whether this model differed for cisgender women (n = 178, 47.6%) and men (n = 197, 52.5%). As hypothesized, assaultive trauma was positively related to emotional reactivity, β =.20, SE = 0.03, t(369) = 3.65, p <.001, which, in turn, partially accounted for the association between assaultive trauma and past-month risky behavior, indirect effect: β =.03, SE = 0.01, 95% bootstrapped CI [0.01, 0.06]. Gender moderated this association such that assaultive trauma was indirectly associated with risky behavior via emotional reactivity for women but not for men, index moderation: B = -0.03, SE = 0.02, 95% bootstrapped CI [-0.07, -0.01]. Cross-sectional results suggest that emotional reactivity may be a proximal target for clinical intervention to aid in the reduction of risky behavior among women.

High-risk sexual behaviors of HIV/AIDS and related factors in young students in Guangzhou

Objective: To explore high-risk sexual behaviors of HIV/AIDS and related factors in young students in Guangzhou. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted in 5 different types of Guangzhou colleges by convenience sampling with minimum number of classes per grade and 600 samples per school from September to November 2021. The R 4.2.2 software was used to consolidate databases. Simultaneously, a logistic regression model and a decision tree algorithm model, stratifying by whether sexual behaviors had occurred before, were constructed. In each layer, the prediction performance of the two models was evaluated through area under receiver operating characteristic and the confusion matrix, and then the model with high prediction performance was retained. Results: A total of 7 346 students were surveyed. The proportion of the respondents reporting sexual experience were 9.08% (667/7 346), in whom 26.24% (175/667) had risky sexual activity in the past year. The decision tree algorithm model performs well in predicting whether high-risk sexual behaviors have occurred in the past year. When the complexity parameter value is 0.018, and nsplit reaches 4, which means there are 5 leaf nodes in the model, the cross error of the tree will be the smallest. The first best grouping variable in the decision tree was whether to use condoms throughout the first sexual behavior. If condoms were used at their sexual debut, but homosexual practices have occurred in the past year, the probability of risky sexual behavior will increase. If homosexual practices have not occurred in the past year, but the age of sexual debut was below 18 years old while the period of HIV education was after high school, the probability of risk sexual behavior will also increase. Conclusions: AIDS-related risky behaviors of young students still deserved attention. The experience of sexual debut and whether AIDS-related health education has been received before the sexual debut were significant predictors for the occurrence of high-risk sexual behavior. The decision tree algorithm model has particular applicability for predicting and screening potential risk populations.

Sexual health practices: A comparison of international and domestic students on Canadian campuses

Since 2011, an increasing incidence of sexually transmitted infections and risky sexual practices has been reported among young adults in Canada. However, research on sexual risk behaviours of international students in North America is limited, despite an increasing number of students from abroad attending higher education institutions on this continent. This article shares research findings comparing the sexual practices of international and domestic students in five postsecondary institutions in three Canadian provinces (Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec). Two hundred forty-two international students and 1220 domestic students took part in the bilingual online and paper-based survey. Female international students were less likely to be sexually active than international male, domestic male, and domestic female students. International students were significantly less likely to partake in many risky sexual behaviours, such as inconsistent condom use and unplanned sex after consuming alcohol or drugs. However, male international students were more likely to report having multiple sexual partners than male domestic students. These findings are relevant to those who counsel and advise postsecondary students on Canadian campuses and for healthcare practitioners to better understand postsecondary students’ sexual practices. Strategies to enhance sexual health and knowledge include targeted promotion of safe sexual practices and sexual education in postsecondary institutions.

Sexual Practices and HIV Risk Perception Among Men Who Have Sex with Men in Brazil.

Objectives: To investigate sexual practices and HIV risk perception among MSM, identifying associated risk factors and determinants. Methods: A cross-sectional epidemiological study was conducted with 144 MSM in Teresina, Piauí, Brazil, using the snowball sampling technique. Participants were recruited via snowball sampling and underwent rapid HIV testing, in addition to completing questionnaires on sexual practices, risk perception, and illicit drug use. Results: The majority of participants showed an unsatisfactory perception of HIV risk. Factors associated with this perception include non-penetrative sex as an HIV preventive measure, which increased the chances of having an unsatisfactory risk perception by 1.45 times (P = .04), engaging with known HIV-positive individuals without knowledge of their viral load (ORa = 2.70; P = .043), and using illicit drugs before/during sex (ORa = 0.29; P = .048). Conclusions: The results indicate a high prevalence of risky sexual practices and an unsatisfactory HIV risk perception among the MSM studied.

MORTALITY RISK INFORMATION, SURVIVAL EXPECTATIONS AND SEXUAL BEHAVIOURS.

We investigate the impact of a randomised information intervention about population-level mortality on health investment and subjective health expectations. Our focus is on risky sex in a high-HIV-prevalence environment. Treated individuals are less likely to engage in risky sexual practices one year after the intervention, with, for example, an 8% increase in abstinence. We collected detailed data on individuals' subjective expectations about their own and population survival, as well as other important health outcomes. Our findings emphasise the significance of integrating subjective expectation data in field experiments to identify the pathways that lead to behavioural change.

Energy and vulnerability: Exploring the energy poverty-risky sexual behavior nexus among young women in Ghana

While recent policy agendas have extensively addressed both energy poverty and risky sexual behavior separately, little research has explored their intersection. This pioneering study investigates the relationship between energy deprivation and risky sexual behavior in female youth. Utilizing data from the Demographic and Health Survey in Ghana and employing robust methodologies, including the Lewbel two-stage regression and alternative energy deprivation thresholds, our findings reveal an 8.2–8.7% increase in the likelihood of female youth engaging in risky sexual activities for each percentage increase in energy poverty. Notably, these estimates hold consistent across different wealth terciles and location subgroups. Furthermore, we identify the number of lifetime partners as a potential mediator through which energy poverty influences risky sexual behavior. In conclusion, our study emphasizes the urgent need for policymakers to prioritize the adoption of affordable energy services, particularly among impoverished and rural households. Such efforts have the potential to mitigate the adverse effects of energy poverty on risky sexual behavior. We also advocate for the integration of energy poverty eradication strategies within reproductive and sexual health programs to foster comprehensive development and well-being.

Sexual practices, their influencers, and utilization of HIV services among female sex workers in Mombasa County, Kenya.

female sex workers (FSWs) are vulnerable to acquiring HIV and other sexually transmitted infections due to unprotected sex. Understanding and addressing the gaps in safer sex among FSWs can help to reduce HIV acquisition and transmission. This study described sexual practices, their correlates and use of HIV services among FSWs in Mombasa County, Kenya. participants were recruited for a baseline survey by a time-location cluster randomized design at predetermined intervals from five bars and five clubs in Mombasa County until a sample size of 160 was reached. Descriptive statistics and inferential analysis using R were conducted, and p<0.05 was regarded as statistically significant. nearly all (99%) of the participants were unmarried, and 11% had tertiary education. Ninety-eight percent (98%) reported vaginal intercourse, 51% reported using alcohol/drugs before sex, and 28% practiced unprotected intercourse. About 64% had tested for HIV within three months, 14% believed that it is safe to reuse condoms, and 10% that it is safe to engage in unprotected sex. In bi-variate analysis, FSWs were more likely to engage in unprotected intercourse if they reported more frequent sex, more frequent sex with regular clients, poor HIV knowledge, alcohol/drug use, and violence. In multivariate analysis, risky sexual practices were associated with frequency of sexual intercourse, alcohol/drug use, and poor HIV knowledge. female sex workers engage in unprotected sex while under the influence of substances, belief in re-using condoms and have high frequency of sexual intercourse. Inadequate knowledge of HIV and substance use significantly correlated with unprotected sex. Interventions to address these modifiable factors are needed to mitigate the risk of HIV among FSWs.

High‐Risk Behaviours, Suicide and Social Isolation in Street Adolescents in Iran: A Cross‐Sectional Descriptive Study

AbstractStreet adolescents are exposed to many high‐risk behaviours such as drug abuse, risky sexual activity, violence and suicide. This issue is a challenge and concern in the health field in developing societies due to the lack of adequate welfare and support facilities. This study aimed to investigate high‐risk behaviours among street adolescents and the factors involved. This study was a cross‐sectional study of 124 street adolescents in Shiraz. Data were collected through four questionnaires: demographic information, Beck Scale for Suicidal Ideation (BSSI), Iranian Adolescents Risk Scale (IARS) and Russell Social Isolation Scale in the form of interviews. The highest mean risky behaviour in these participants was 17.07 ± 3.31 for sexual intercourse. The lowest risky behaviour observed in adolescents was high‐risk driving, averaging 8.21 ± 2.59. According to the results, 31.5 per cent showed a high risk of suicidal ideation. Also, 68.5 per cent of these adolescents reported a tendency to severe isolation. In general, street adolescents in Iran are highly vulnerable to high‐risk behaviours. This group of adolescents needs comprehensive support programmes from education centres, the Welfare Department and the Ministry of Health.

“My Playlist is Too (Damn) Long”: The Impact of Black Men’s Favorite Sex Songs on Sexual Socialization

Abstract: Music has historically and culturally served as a tool for Black men to express themselves and tell their stories. Further, music is an integral part of Black culture that provides unique insight into Black men’s ideal sexualities, sexual practices, and their conceptualizations of sex. Thus, this content analysis analyzed the lyrics of Black men’s favorite sex songs from a strength-based, sex-positive perspective to better conceptualize Black men’s sexualities and sexual practices. One hundred six men answered the short-form survey question, “What is your favorite sex song?” Analysis of the song content determined Black men’s favorite sex songs were focused on mutual (29%) and their partner’s pleasure (28%). Black men’s favorite sex songs focused on attentiveness and admiration of partner, fulfilling fantasy, lust and yearning, vocal affirmation and reassurance, risky sex, and desire for intimacy. These findings suggest Black men desire reciprocity, intimacy, and vulnerability during sex.

Understanding internalizing and externalizing symptoms in trauma exposed community members.

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is highly comorbid with internalizing and externalizing symptoms, but few studies have examined risk factors that can account for these comorbidities. The primary aim of this study is to investigate the role of blame attribution (i.e., self-blame and other blame) and impulsivity dimensions (i.e., negative and positive urgency) in predicting internalizing (i.e., social anxiety, depression, and worry) and externalizing symptoms (i.e., aggression, risky thrill-seeking, risky substance use, and sexual risk-taking) when statistically controlling for PTSD. Participants were 63 trauma-exposed community members (47.6% diagnosed with PTSD; Mage = 27.17, 84.1% female) interviewed using the Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale-5. We hypothesized that self- and other blame would predict internalizing symptoms and that self-blame, negative urgency, and positive urgency would predict externalizing symptoms after controlling for PTSD. Findings showed that self-blame was associated with all three internalizing symptoms and risky sex and that negative urgency predicted risky aggression. This study provides evidence that self-blame is an important risk factor for a broad range of internalizing symptoms and for at least one type of externalizing symptom and that the effects of self-blame are not fully explained by PTSD. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved).

Psychosocial distress patterns among key populations living with HIV in Nigeria

Abstract Background: The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) continues to pose a substantial public health challenge in Nigeria, particularly affecting key populations due to various factors such as diminished risk perception, engaging in risky sexual and behavioral practices, stigma, discrimination, and legal barriers. Recognizing and addressing the mental health and psychosocial needs (MHPN) of HIV-positive key populations are essential for implementing tailored interventions and ensuring comprehensive care, aligning with the Joint United Nations Program on HIV and AIDS (UNAIDS) goal of ending acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) by 2030. Materials and Methods: This retrospective observational study was conducted among key populations (KPs) living with HIV who were enrolled in care at 17 one-stop shop (OSS) facilities operated by Heartland Alliance LTD/GTE across six states in Nigeria. The assessment tool used was the HALG Mental Health Screening Form III (MHSF-III). The study population consisted of diverse KPs enrolled in OSS facilities across six Nigerian states. Data analysis was performed using IBM-SPSS version 28. Results: The study revealed varying levels of MHPN among HIV-positive vital populations, with sex partners (8.9%), prisoners (7.1%), and female sex workers (6.1%) showing the highest prevalence. Among participants aged below 20, the need was most pronounced (10.7%). Female participants had increased odds (AOR = 2.072) of experiencing MHPN, as did individuals with sexual partners (AOR = 1.591), a history of drug/alcohol use (AOR = 10.458), and exposure to gender-based violence (AOR = 7.733). All respondents received brief interventions, with 69.3% being referred for further psychosocial support and 47.6% ultimately receiving specialized mental health intervention. The majority of participants preferred in-person counseling (72.7%) and a single session (74.0%), and most displayed mild confirmation outcomes (86.8%). Conclusion: The results highlight the importance of tackling the mental health obstacles encountered by these vulnerable groups to prevent HIV transmission and ensure comprehensive care. To enhance the well-being of these populations in Nigeria, policymakers and healthcare providers should prioritize integrated care and support services. Lastly, future research in this domain should concentrate on conducting long-term studies to monitor the mental health trajectories of HIV-positive key populations thoroughly.

Knowledge, attitudes, and preventive practices towards sexually transmitted infections among youth in Tonga: local evidence to strengthen preventive actions

Background: Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) remain a public health concern due to their profound impact on sexual and reproductive health, particularly in developing countries. Many nations have investigated the root causes of STIs, however, there are limited studies published in the small island developing states in the Pacific, including Tonga. The lack of adequate information in the local context causes significant challenges to the proper planning and effective implementation of STIs prevention and control programs. Aim: This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes, practices, and health seeking behaviours towards STIs among youth in Tonga, with a view to generating local evidence to strengthen preventive policies and targeted interventions. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on a sample of 433 youth aged 15-24 years in Tonga. Interviews were conducted by trained interviewers using a standardised questionnaire that collected information on demographic characteristics, knowledge, attitudes, practices, health seeking behaviours towards STIs and the barriers to accessing sexual health services. The descriptive results and associations between variables were also presented. Results: Of the total youth survey, 233 (54%) were females, 277 (64%) were unemployed, and 399 (92%) were unmarried. Less than half of youth correctly identified HIV, chlamydia, and syphilis as STIs. The percentage of youth who correctly answered the routes of transmission and the symptoms of STIs were low. Infertility (51%) was the most recognised complication, and one third of youth correctly answered that cervical cancer, ectopic pregnancy, and stillbirth are some of the complications. Over 90% of youth perceived that condoms protect against the diseases; however, approximately 30% thought that the use of a condom is not required if both partners have symptoms of STIs and multiple sexual partners play no role in diseases transmission. Of the sexually active youth, only 47% used a condom the first time they had sex. The main reason was the limited availability of condoms. It was reported that 31% of females and 66% of males consumed alcohol, a contributor to risky sexual practices. Less than half of youth reported that they would access clinics if they had symptoms. The main barriers to seeking sexual health services were ‘being too embarrassed’ and issues with privacy at the clinics. Conclusion: This study highlighted the urgent need to strengthen national preventive policies and culturally acceptable targeted interventions to tackle STIs more effectively. The findings also provided a timely reminder to policymakers and health leaders to invest additional resources to effectively prevent and control; incorporate comprehensive and culturally acceptable sexual health education in schools; improve privacy, confidentiality, and accessibility of sexual health services in all relevant health care settings in Tonga.

Factors affecting the prevention of unwanted pregnancies among young adolescents in secondary schools in the Eastern Province of Rwanda: An explorative qualitative study.

The escalating number of teenage pregnancies, especially in the Eastern province of Rwanda, continues to raise concerns regarding the sexual and reproductive health of adolescents in the country. Recent statistics indicate that 5% of adolescent girls between the ages of 15 and 19 have given birth and 4% are currently pregnant with their first child. This highlights the critical need for comprehensive sexual and reproductive health education tailored for adolescents. However, there is limited evidence on factors affecting adolescents' efforts to prevent unwanted pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections in the Eastern Province of Rwanda, and the support systems available to adolescents in secondary schools, including the role of parents in promoting their sexual and reproductive health to minimize the risky sexual practices. An explorative qualitative study utilizing focus group discussions was conducted to garner the perspectives of 118 adolescents enrolled in six twelve-year-basic-education schools from three districts of the Eastern Province of Rwanda. Thematic analysis was employed to identify themes related to the impact of various factors on adolescents' sexual and reproductive health as they navigate through the physical and emotional changes from puberty to adolescence. Adolescents are aware of the potential consequences of engaging in unprotected sexual intercourse which include the risk of unplanned pregnancy, sexually transmitted infections, HIV/AIDS, and emotional distress. Female participants emphasized that young girls who do not receive adequate support upon becoming pregnant prematurely may encounter depression, discontinue their education, face the harsh reality of extreme poverty, and struggle significantly in assuming the responsibilities of parenthood as young single mothers. Adolescents highlighted the lack of parental guidance concerning sexual and reproductive matters as a significant obstacle in their pursuit of a healthy and safe sexual and reproductive health during adolescence. Inadequate parental engagement still hinders adolescents in navigating the physical bodily, mental, and emotional changes during adolescence. This affects their capacity to make well-informed decisions to prevent adverse consequences such as unintended pregnancies, substance misuse, sexually transmitted infections, and HIV/AIDS resulting from unsafe sexual practices. Since this study was qualitative, quantitative data necessary for a precise evaluation of the extent of the problem related to the absence of parental involvement in educating adolescents on sexual and reproductive health needs further research.

Gradient of vaccine hesitancy among French men having sex with men: An electronic cross-sectional survey in 2022

ABSTRACT In developed countries, vaccinations against hepatitis B (HBV), hepatitis A (HAV), and human papillomavirus (HPV) are often recommended to men who have sex with men (MSM) because of the risky sexual practices in which some engage. Vaccine coverage against these diseases is not optimal in France, probably due in part to vaccine hesitancy (VH). The overall aim of this survey among MSM was to estimate the prevalence of different grades of VH for these vaccines as well as of general VH (toward any vaccine). The specific objectives were to study the sociodemographic correlates of MSM specific and general VH and its association with vaccine uptake. A cross-sectional electronic survey (February–August 2022) collected information from 3,730 French MSM about their perceptions of HBV, HAV, and HPV and their related vaccines, to construct “specific VH” variables. Information about their past vaccination behaviors for any vaccine was used to construct a “general VH” variable, based on the World Health Organization definition. Almost 90% of MSM showed moderate or high specific VH for HBV, HAV, and/or HPV, and 54% general VH. A higher education level and comfortable financial situation were associated with lower grades of specific and general VH. Younger age was associated with less frequent specific VH and more frequent general VH. Specific VH, versus general, was more strongly associated with frequent self-reported non-vaccination against these three disease. Addressing their concerns about vaccines, improving their knowledge of vaccine-preventable sexually transmitted infections, and motivating them to get vaccinated are public health priorities.

LOCALISATION ANOPARIETALE DE LA TUBERCULOSE. À PROPOS D’UNCAS

ntroduction: Anoperineal localization of tuberculosisis a rare clinical form with often delayed diagnosis. Wereport a case of anal mycobacterium tuberculosiscomplicated by tuberculous miliaria.Case report: A 25-year-old patient was admitted to theDepartment of Pneumology for treatment of a chronicproductive cough and Sadoul stage 2 dyspnea in acontext of fever and general deterioration. Questioningrevealed that the patient had had risky sex, had analpain and h, which he attributed to an undocumentedhaemorrhoidal disease for which he had been receivingtreatment for several months. Clinical examinationrevealed a PS of 3, fever of 38°C and SpO2 of 99% onroom air. Pleuropulmonary examination revealedbilateral basal crackles in both lung fields. Proctologicalexamination revealed a painful perianal ulceration withirregular margins and a dirty background, resting onan erythematous base. The patient tested negative forBAAR and positive for IDRT. The chest X-ray showedmicronodular opacities scattered over both lung fields.GeneXpert testing of the anal lesion was positive andsensitive. Given this clinical picture, the radiographicabnormalities and the biological data, the diagnosis ofanal tuberculosis complicated by miliaria was accepted.Anti-tuberculosis treatment was started, together withlocal treatment. After 1 month, there was a significantimprovement in symptoms. Unfortunately, the patientdied 4 months later.Conclusion: The diagnosis of extrapulmonarytuberculosis is not always easy and anal tuberculosisposes a diagnostic problem with an often dismalprognosis, as was the case in our patient.Key words: tuberculosis, delayed diagnosis, prognosisCorrespondance : Tafsir Ngary KaService de pneumologie du CHNU de FannEmail : tafsirka80@gmail.comTel : +22177686637491

Uptake of HIV and AIDS services among lesbian, gay and bisexual identifying youths aged 18 to 35 years in Nairobi city county, Kenya

Background: The study assessed the general uptake of HIV&amp;AIDS care among the Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual (LBG) identifying youths in Nairobi County. The focus was on sexual orientation and not gender identity. This research unpacked the depth in which socio-cultural, religious, systemic, personal attitudes and perceptions base contribute to the uptake of HIV&amp;AIDS care and interventions to be scaled up. Methods: Descriptive cross-sectional design, involving qualitative and quantitative methods. The sample size was n=84 determined through the formula n=z2(1 –α/2)(1- P)/ɛ2P due to unknown nature and number of the target population in Nairobi. Used snowball sampling technique and a virtual snowball sampling to reach the population. Purposive sampling was applied to reach key informants. Descriptive statistical analysis was utilized reinforced by cross tabulation. Results: The uptake of HIV&amp;AIDS services was 86% among the lesbian, gay and bisexual youths in Nairobi. The majority access HIV prevention and care services from government/public health facilities followed closely by NGO led facilities. Personal attitude and perception base play a significant role in utilization; 57% engaged in risky sexual activities. A majority (87%) of the respondents experienced injustices while accessing HIV&amp;AIDS services attributed the experiences to their sexual orientation. Conclusions: The health care providers should be adequately trained to provide comprehensive, inclusive, non-judgmental services; policies evaluated to provide non-discriminatory services to eliminate stigmatization of the population. The findings intend to inform programming of HIV&amp;AIDS for this subset of key population and bridge the knowledge gap.

THE ROLE AND IMPORTANCE OF AVIATION FUEL IN THE HEALTH-SEEKING BEHAVIOR OF CHILD MIGRANTS LIVING ALONG THE UGANDA–KENYA BORDER AT BUSIA

This study aimed to understand the health-seeking behaviors of the child migrants, commonly known as Chokola, who live along the Uganda–Kenya border at the town of Busia. The study used qualitative data collection methods: in-depth interviews, life-histories, focus group discussions, and key informant interviews. At the border, Chokola are accorded a marginal status and identity, limiting their health rights. Chokola face many health challenges, some of which arise from risky sexual behaviors and practices. Their health problems include gonorrhea, HIV, malaria, and cholera. The Chokola in our study exhibited specific health-seeking behaviors, with sniffing aviation fuel being the most pronounced. Although this practice was intended to alleviate common ailments and discomfort, it was also reported to have side effects ranging from loss of appetite to early death. Sniffing aviation fuel as a health-seeking behavior is a construction of individuals. Chokola constructions of the efficacy of aviation fuel are inculcated during socialization and are supported by a shared belief in the fuel as a panacea. Scientific views regarding the risks of side effects are irrelevant to them. In terms of access to health services, Chokola are vulnerable and require affirmative action and targeted interventions.