Unsafe Sexual Behavior Research Articles

Analysis of Knowledge, Attitude and Practices regarding Sexually Transmitted Infections among post-secondary students Thailand.

This paper reports on the Knowledge, Attitude and Practices regarding Sexually Transmitted Infections among post-secondary students in faith-based institution and public institutions. A survey was administered to select three different universities and over 700 participants were selected randomly. The survey included outcome measures including biodata and socio-economic status, moral and religious beliefs, sex and sexuality, STI knowledge and screening. The students responded range in age from 15 to 27+ years old and include freshmen, sophomores, juniors and seniors. Most respondents (86%) were female and aged 19-22 years old (88%). The respondents self-reported as Muslim (66%) or Buddhist (34%) and as conservative (29%), moderate (66%) or liberal (5%). Although 55% and 97% of respondents reported that there were sexual health discussions at their university, and their university had programs that teach about the pros and cons based on religion, respectively, over 82% report that they are still curious about sex and STI. Almost all students (97%) know what an STI is and can correctly identify the most publicized STIs. A large number (24%) failed to select genital warts as an STI. However, their attitudes about sexual relationships suggest unsafe sexual behavior. Almost half of the respondents think that one must have sex more than one time to catch an STI. Overall 34% say sex is ok as long as it does not lead to an STI or pregnancy and 51% said that promoting safe sex is more important than promoting abstinence. Some respondents also have some falsely held beliefs such as STIs can be spread by touching (26%) and insects (27%). This study concludes that Knowledge about sexually transmitted infections and programs delivered at tertiary institutions surveyed do not reduce risky behavior among the students. New methods of equipping students with knowledge and greater access to confidential advice and counselling may bring about better integration of awareness and knowledge to student lifestyle.

Characterizing Unsafe Sexual Behavior among Factory Workers in the Context of Rapid Industrialization in Northern Vietnam.

Industrial workers or factory workers, especially migrant workers, have been found to be vulnerable populations at risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). However, there has been a gap in literature regarding health behaviors of migrant factory workers. We conducted a cross-sectional study among 230 factory workers in Hanoi and Bac Ninh cities in Northern Vietnam from July to September 2018 to identify sexual risk practices and related factors among migrant and nonmigrant factory workers. Information collected regarding sexual behavior included the number of sexual partners in the previous 12 months and whether they used condoms in their last sexual intercourse. Two-thirds of participants reported having no sexual activity in the last 12 months, and there was a low percentage of participants using condoms in their last sexual intercourse. Being female, living with spouses/partners, and being a nonimmigrant had a negative association with the lack of using condoms in the last sexual intercourse with casual partners/sex workers, as opposed to having mobility and self-care problems and identifying as a binge drinker. Therefore, workplace-based prevention programs focusing on providing tailored sexual health education and promoting condom use among industrial workers, especially those who are immigrant or migrant workers, in Vietnam should be emphasized.

PNS146 WHAT APPROACH SHOULD BE TAKEN IN ORDER TO EFFECTIVELY MANAGE BEHAVIORAL HEALTH RISK FACTORS? A CONSENSUS PANEL ANALYSIS FOR GREECE

To assess which modifiable health risk factors should be the priorities of health policy and which management approaches would be most feasible and effective in the Greek environment. A digital delphi panel was conducted, consisting of experts in healthcare and health policy, seeking convergence with the use of a close-end questionnaire. The risk factors prioritized in the study were: road safety, physical activity, dietary risks, smoking, alcohol consumption, unsafe sexual behavior, obesity and substance use. Additionally, various health policy measures were assessed on terms of effectiveness and importance for each risk factor. Overall, 23 health professionals participated in the panel. Regarding prioritization, smoking ranked first (9.45/10), followed by obesity (8.35/10) and dietary risks (8.00/10), while unsafe sexual behavior ranked last (5.16/10). Current health policy for the selected risk factors was assessed ineffective, since road safety policy ranked first with 2.48/5, while health policy on obesity ranked last at 1.37/5. Sin taxes on products related to the selected risk factors were assessed quite effective by the panel, as higher taxation on sugary beverages gathered the highest score of 3.95/5, while VAT increase in red meat gathered the lowest score of 2.86/5. Regarding individual measures for each risk factor, prohibition of use in public spaces ranked as the most important measure for the management of smoking (9.22/10), expansion of sport facilities for the promotion of physical activity (8.65/10), while health promotion ranked as the most important approach for the management of alcohol consumption (9.18/10), dietary risks (9.09/10), obesity (8.70/10), substance use (8.64/10) and road safety (8.86/10). Based on the results, effective health policy for the management of the main behavioral risk factors is yet to be achieved. Health promotion and sin taxes are considered the most efficient approach to be utilized in health policies for the management of behavioral risk factors.

Appropriate approaches for improving health promotion literacy in adolescents – a systematic review

Abstract Background Adolescents are exposed to various risks for their health: substance use, Internet overuse, video game addiction, unhealthy diet (reduced intake of fruits and vegetables, fast food culture), low physical activity, overweight, stress, violence, unsafe sexual behaviours, self-medication. Health literacy is defined as the knowledge, motivation and competence to access, understand, appraise and apply right information to make decisions in terms of healthcare, disease prevention and health promotion. Despite the advancement of theoretical models, many national and international health promotion programs, the percentage of unhealthy behaviours still persist in young age. Objective: Current review proposes to assess the implementation and effectiveness of various interventions in order to identify possible success or failure factors. Methods Comprehensive Systematic review was performed. After three steps data searching (in PubMed, SCOPUS, Cochrane, PsycINFO, Google Scholar) and critical appraisal, 63 studies out of 739 were fully retrieved. Results Implementation aspects as intervention types (single or combined targeted risk factors), type of audience (students, parents, school staff, communities), settings (home, school or outdoor), type of organization (face to face, groups, online), professional or peer-led, communication type (written materials as brochures, posters or videoconferencing) or effectiveness measures were extracted and synthesized. Important features of context such as funding, European or government programs were used for clustering the studies. Conclusions Health literacy interventions in adolescents need the involvement of education staff and parents participation. Health literacy for adolescents has to take into account cultural context, language, psychological features of each age; either digital or non-digital interventions cannot elude face to face communication between adolescents and their parents, academics or peers. Key messages Health literacy school-based interventions are effective but the content for adolescents audience should rely on guidelines provided by interdisciplinary teams of experts. Health Literacy interventions in adolescents should be age-appropriate and do-not-harm precautions must always be taken in order to avoid prejudices, body-image or self-esteem concerns.

Analysis and forecast of the HIV/AIDS epidemic in Mainland China, 1985-2016.

We aimed to forecast the number of unidentified and newly acquired HIV-infected individuals each year and to estimate the effectiveness of government prevention and control programs in China. Dynamic and stochastic models were established based on officially published data regarding the four main modes of transmission: male homosexual sexual behavior, heterosexual sexual behavior, injection drug use (IDU) and plasma donation. Finally, we performed sensitivity analyses on model parameters. Nationally, by December 2016, approximately 280790 individuals were estimated to have an unidentified HIV infection, with transmission via male homosexual sexual behavior (n=100710), heterosexual sexual behavior (n=174310), IDU (n=5620) and plasma donation (n=150). Moreover, 196970 newly acquired HIV-infected individuals were expected in 2016, via male homosexual sexual behavior (n=78610), heterosexual sexual behavior (n=116,540), IDU (n=1820), and plasma donation (n<2). Our results show that HIV transmission via IDU and plasma donation has been effectively controlled; transmission via heterosexual sexual contact is being somewhat controlled; however, transmission via male homosexual sexual contact is not controlled. Hence, China should strengthen efforts aimed at control of unsafe sexual behaviors.

316. Hepatitis C and Engagement in Health Care Among Persons Who Inject Drugs and Persons Who Use Non-Injection Drugs, Philadelphia

BackgroundThe growing opioid epidemic is driving increasing rates of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections in the United States. HCV transmission is most frequently attributed to unsafe injection behaviors, but can occur via other unsafe drug use and sexual behaviors. Differences in demographics, HCV rates and associated risk factors in non-injecting PWUD (NIPWUD), compared with people who inject drugs (PWID) must be understood in order to target elimination strategies.MethodsChange is Philadelphia’s program to eliminate HCV among PWUD and enrollment includes HCV testing, linkage services, and an interviewer-administered survey including risk behaviors and healthcare engagement. This interim analysis includes the first 835 enrollees that identified as PWUD. For this analysis, PWID are enrollees who indicated ever injecting drugs and those who had not are NIPWUD.ResultsAmong enrollees, 76% (N = 637) reported ever injecting drugs. PWIDs were younger and non-Hispanic (NH) white while NIPWUD were older and NH Black (age: P = 0.003; race/ethnicity: P < 0.0001). NIPWUDs had a high seropositivity rate though significantly lower than PWIDs (24% vs. 85%, respectively; P < 0.0001). Among PWID enrollees, 94% (N = 596) ever snorted. Of enrollees, 63% (N = 124) of NIPWUD and 56% (N = 356) of PWID identified having a PCP (P =0.07). PWIDs are more likely than NIPWUD to have overdosed (OD) (40% vs. 9%; P < 0.0001) though high rates of both groups ever witnessed an OD (84% vs. 67%, respectively). While 80% (N = 105) of NIPWUDs know how to use Narcan, 60% (N = 79) carry it, {94% (N = 503) and 71%(N = 381) in PWID, respectively}. NIPWUDs are more likely to be interested in drug treatment (P < 0.0001) and to have received it in the last 12 months (P = 0.0008).ConclusionNotable HCV infection exists among non-injecting PWUD reinforcing the need for harm reduction counseling and access to drug use equipment used for smoking and snorting. NIPWUD may be able to access drug and HCV treatment through PCPs and fatal ODs may be prevented by ensuring NIPWUDs have access to Narcan. In addition, PWID are likely to snort as well and should be counseled on non-injecting harm reduction methods. To succeed in micro elimination among PWUD, a focus on NIPWUDs as well as PWIDs is necessary to mitigate transmission of HCV.Disclosures All authors: No reported disclosures.

“I am aware of the risks, I am not changing my behaviour”: risky sexual behaviour of university students in a high-HIV context

Unprotected sexual activity increases the risk of pregnancy and HIV and AIDS. More than three decades into the AIDS pandemic, the condom remains the most effective strategy for protecting against the dual risks of pregnancy and HIV and AIDS, but data from national surveys suggest that condom use among young people aged 15–24 is on the decline in South Africa. This study uses qualitative data from 20 in-depth interviews and one focus group to examine the risk behaviours of university students aged 18–24 years old, with particular emphasis on understanding the decline in the use of condoms. It is well documented that South Africa has one of the highest prevalence rates of HIV and AIDS in the world, however the findings of this study suggest that even though students were well informed about the perceived risks associated with unsafe sexual behaviours, they continue to engage in risk behaviours including unprotected sexual intercourse, multiple sexual partners and the use of alcohol. Male students were more likely than female students to report risky sexual behaviours. Condom use is occurring but not consistently. The majority of students did not use condoms during their first sexual encounter because of a lack of preparedness. Negative attitudes towards condoms continue to discourage students from using them consistently, especially those provided by the government. In light of this, it is recommended that rigorous efforts are directed towards challenging inaccurate perceptions about, and attitudes towards, condom use to promote consistency.

HIV-positive clients of female sex workers in Hunan Province, China: a mixed methods study assessing sexual relationships and risk behavior by type of partner

BackgroundIn China, clients of female sex workers (CFSWs) have a low rate of condom use and a high prevalence of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). However, little is known about the high-risk sexual behaviors of HIV-positive CFSWs.MethodsIn 2014, 327 CFSWs diagnosed with HIV for 6 months or longer completed a face-to-face questionnaire for a quantitative survey. In addition, 32 HIV-positive CFSWs were recruited to participate in in-depth interviews (18 participated in both, 14 participated in-depth interviews only) to explore reasons for extramarital sexual behaviors and inconsistent condom use. The quantitative data on sexual risk behaviors were analyzed using chi-square tests. Interviews were coded inductively for emerging themes.ResultsAmong the participants of the quantitative survey, 41.6% (136/327) had sex with regular sexual partners only in the past 6 months, of whom 64.0% (87/136) had consistent condom use; 27.5% (90/327) of the participants had sex with irregular sexual partners in the past 6 months, of which, 46.7% (42/90) had consistent condom use. The qualitative study suggested that HIV positive sero-status, willingness to protect their spouses or regular sexual partners, and lacking a sense of responsibility to protect their commercial and casual sexual partners, influence CFSWs’ sexual behaviors.ConclusionsHIV-positive CFSWs continue to practice unsafe sexual behaviors with regular and irregular partners after HIV diagnosis, but were more willing to protect their regular partners. Future interventions targeting HIV-positive CFSWs should not only be confined to sero-discordant couples, but also need to instill a sense of responsibility to protect the commercial and casual partners and reduce the number of concurrent partners.

Is there a relationship between schooling and risky health behaviors in Colombia?

This paper uses the National Health Survey to analyze the relationship between education and risky health behaviors, namely smoking, heavy drinking, obesity, and unsafe sexual behavior, by estimating the education gradient. We also provide evidence on the effect of education, socio-economic and knowledge variables on these health behaviors by gender and area of residence. The results indicate that there is a negative and significant effect of years of schooling on the probability of smoking, whereas the probability of heavy drinking and unsafe sexual behaviors increase with education, highlighting the importance of social and cultural factors.

Assessing Students’ Perception Towards the Teaching of Sexuality Education in Senior Secondary Schools in Nigeria

The absence of systematic sex education in schools would seem to be a transfer from the tendency among parents to shy away from answering questions about sex and procreation which young people ask. The prevalence of indulgence in premarital sex or unsafe sexual behaviours by secondary school students who are mostly adolescents has attracted growing concerns from all stakeholders. These unsafe sexual behaviours may have significant unpleasant consequences on their health which they may not be necessarily aware of considering the high prevalence rate of sexually transmitted diseases. Over the years, there has been a heated debate on whether sexuality education should be included in school curriculum. While some think it is immoral for sex education to be included in the school curriculum, others strongly believe that the teaching of sex education is ideal for teenagers as it will guide them who early exposure to technology makes them vulnerable to misinformation. Parents on the other hand are worried about the way sexuality education is being taught in schools. Yet these divergent views represent both sides of the same coin – a genuine concern borne out of the need to protect and ensure the safety of the future of teenagers and young people in general. This study therefore looked at the students’ perception of sexuality education taught to them in the school and how students’ predominant views on sex influence their acceptance of sexuality education.

Acceptability of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) among men who have sex with men (MSM) in Benin: a qualitative study

ABSTRACTIn Benin, consistent condom use among men who have sex with men (MSM) is relatively low and providing them with Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) could be of great relevance. We aimed to describe PrEP knowledge and intention to use it; identify key facilitators and barriers to PrEP; and describe the perceived impact of PrEP on unsafe sexual behavior. MSM, 18 years or older, HIV-negative or of unknown status, were enrolled in five cities of Benin. Intention to use PrEP was assessed through five focus groups (FG). Data were analyzed using manual thematic sorting. Thirty MSM (six per city) participated in the FG. Mean age (standard deviation) was 27.1 (5.0) years. All participants expressed the intention to use PrEP if made available. Facilitators of PrEP use were: availability of medication, safety, absence of constraints as well as freedom to have multiple sex partners and sex with HIV-positive friends. Barriers were: complex procedures for obtaining medication, size and taste of medication, cost of medication, poor PrEP awareness.. Eighteen men admitted that PrEP could lead to decrease in or even abandonment of condom use. In conclusion, MSM showed openness to use PrEP if available, although they recognized that it could lead to risk compensation.

Virologic and immunologic responses of patients on highly active antiretroviral therapy in a rural community health centre in Limpopo, South Africa: A retrospective study.

BackgroundSouth Africa has a high HIV burden. Despite increased uptake of persons living with HIV into the South African national antiretroviral therapy programme, the incidence of HIV increased between 2013 and 2016. Studies suggest that increased community viral suppression results in reduced HIV incidence in that community ‘independent of unsafe sexual behaviours and sharing used syringes’.ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to investigate the viral and immunologic responses of patients, in a rural community health centre in South Africa, to combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) between January 2004 and July 2016.MethodsThis was a retrospective medical record review conducted in Thohoyandou Community Health Centre. Data analysis was done using SPSS 24.0 and Microsoft Excel. The estimates used were 95% confidence intervals, and a p-value < 0.05 was considered to be statistically significant.ResultsAnalysis was done using 1247 individuals, with 76% of the cohort being female and 98% first-line cART. The proportion of patients with a suppressed viral load (VL) at 6 months post-treatment was 64%, and 72% at 60 months. Fifty-nine per cent had consistent viral suppression over a 6-month period and 14% over at least 54 months. The mean CD4+ cell count at baseline was 227 cells/µL, and 538 cells/µL at 60 months. Multivariate regression analysis revealed that males had poorer immunologic and virologic responses.ConclusionsViral suppression in the study population was inferior to the UNAIDS target of 90%. The sustainability of viral suppression, once attained, was also low. These may have a negative impact on HIV transmission.

Virologic and immunologic responses of patients on highly active antiretroviral therapy in a rural community health centre in Limpopo, South Africa: A retrospective study

Background: South Africa has a high HIV burden. Despite increased uptake of persons living with HIV into the South African national antiretroviral therapy programme, the incidence of HIV increased between 2013 and 2016. Studies suggest that increased community viral suppression results in reduced HIV incidence in that community ‘independent of unsafe sexual behaviours and sharing used syringes’. Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the viral and immunologic responses of patients, in a rural community health centre in South Africa, to combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) between January 2004 and July 2016. Methods: This was a retrospective medical record review conducted in Thohoyandou Community Health Centre. Data analysis was done using SPSS 24.0 and Microsoft Excel. The estimates used were 95% confidence intervals, and a p -value &lt; 0.05 was considered to be statistically significant. Results: Analysis was done using 1247 individuals, with 76% of the cohort being female and 98% first-line cART. The proportion of patients with a suppressed viral load (VL) at 6 months post-treatment was 64%, and 72% at 60 months. Fifty-nine per cent had consistent viral suppression over a 6-month period and 14% over at least 54 months. The mean CD4+ cell count at baseline was 227 cells/µL, and 538 cells/µL at 60 months. Multivariate regression analysis revealed that males had poorer immunologic and virologic responses. Conclusions: Viral suppression in the study population was inferior to the UNAIDS target of 90%. The sustainability of viral suppression, once attained, was also low. These may have a negative impact on HIV transmission.

An observational study of adolescent health outcomes associated with school-based health service utilization: A causal analysis.

Our aim is to examine the unbiased association between use of school-based health services (SBHS) and student health outcomes. Data are from a nationally representative health and well-being survey of 8500 New Zealand high school students from 91 high schools. Student data were linked to the level of SBHS available to them: no SBHS, regular clinics from visiting health professionals, a health professional onsite, or a health team onsite. Causal analyses are used to compare utilization of SBHS and their association with student-reported health outcomes, including foregone health care, depressive symptoms, emotional and behavioral difficulties, suicide risk, substance use, and unsafe sexual behaviors. Results from the multinomial propensity score-weighted regressions show that the use of SBHS was associated with poorer health outcomes, suggesting that selection bias was present due to unmeasured confounders. Instrumental variable analyses found that that students using team-based SBHS had a 4.7 percent (95% CI 0.5-8.9) probability of high levels of depressive symptoms compared to 14.2 percent (95% CI 11.5-16.8) among students not using team SBHS. For suicide attempt, students using team-based SBHS had a 2.0 percent (95% CI -0.3-4.2) probability of a suicide attempt in the previous 12months compared to 5.6 percent (95% CI 2.6-8.5) among students not using team SBHS. These analyses suggest that team-based SBHS are associated with better mental health among students who attend them.

Study protocol for a peer-led web-based intervention to promote safe usage of dating applications among young adults: a cluster randomized controlled trial

BackgroundDating applications are a popular platform to meet new people. At the same time, they have been associated with risks such as unsafe sexual behavior and privacy concerns in young adults. This paper presents a study protocol of a cluster randomized controlled trial (RCT) to evaluate the effectiveness of a peer-led web-based intervention to promote its safe usage in young adults.MethodsThe study design is an open-labeled cluster RCT with an intervention and a placebo control arm. The intervention group will receive a web-based intervention developed through focus group discussions, a crowdsourcing contest, and a Peer-Vetted Creative Production (PVCP) workshop. The control group will receive a web-based resource on health and exercise.We aim to recruit approximately 338 young adults aged 17–27 years from three tertiary educational institutions in Hong Kong with the class as the cluster unit. Based on the Information, Motivation, and Behavioral Skills (IMB) model, the primary outcome of this study is self-efficacy in using dating applications measured by the General Self Efficacy Scale. Secondary outcomes include change in risk perception measured by the Risk Propensity Scale and a Risk Assessment Tool. Questionnaires will be administered before the intervention, after the intervention, and at one-month follow-up. Intention-to-treat analysis and multilevel regression modeling will be used to evaluate differences in outcomes between groups and the factors affecting these outcomes, respectively.DiscussionDating application usage presents opportunities as well as challenges to young adults meeting new friends. Innovative and relatable interventions are needed to promote the safe usage of dating applications to this population. Practical knowledge gained from the development process may be helpful for future intervention utilizing the peer-led approach. If effective, the intervention will be disseminated to non-governmental organizations and educational institutions to be used as a teaching resource.Trial RegistrationClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03685643. Registered on 26 September 2018. University of Hong Kong Clinical Trials Registry, HKUCTR-2512.

The CASTRO study: Unsafe sexual behaviors and illicit drug use among gay and bisexual men who use anabolic steroids.

The majority of anabolic androgenic steroid (AAS) studies have focused on the general male population. Approximately 15% of gay or bisexual men are seropositive for HIV and many AASs are administered via injection. Thus, AAS use among gay and bisexual men likely poses a greater risk of spreading infectious disease. Gay and bisexual men who use AAS were compared with non-users regarding self-reported seropositivity for HIV and hepatitis B and C, sexual behaviors and injection practices, illicit drug and alcohol use, and psychiatric disorders. The CASTRO (Castro Anabolic Steroid Research Observation) study was a 108-item cross-sectional survey of 153 gay and bisexual men who exercise. Data collection occurred outside four gyms in the San Francisco Castro District. The lifetime prevalence of AAS use among gay and bisexual men in the study was 21.6%. AAS users and non-users did not differ in self-reported seropositivity for HIV or hepatitis B and C, but AAS users reported higher rates of male-male condomless anal sex in the past year (84.8 vs 60.8%, p < .01) than non-users. More AAS users used ecstasy and methamphetamines (39.4 vs 16.7%, p < .01 and 18.2 vs 5.0%, p = .01, respectively) than non-users. Gay and bisexual men who used AAS were more likely to engage in unsafe sexual behaviors and use illicit drugs relative to non-users. Multiple factors place AAS users at higher risks for spreading infectious diseases. Our study suggests increased infectious disease risk among gay and bisexual men who use AAS. (Am J Addict 2019;XX:1-10).

HUBUNGAN SUMBER INFORMASI KESEHATAN REPRODUKSI DENGAN PERILAKU SEKSUAL PADA PELAJAR SMA NEGERI DI KOTA SABANG TAHUN 2015

Source of information obtained teenagers about reproduction health is pushed the behavior of the teenagers to know more about sexual problem. In line with the era of globalization, information and technology, there is a big change in the sexual behavior of teenagers. Unwanted pregnancy, unsafe abortions and an increase in cases of sexually transmitted infections, which is a problem in teenagers reproduction health in Indonesia. The results of research in the program of Muda Berkarya conducted by Yayasan Kita (2005), teenagers of Sabang and some other town in the province of Aceh are likely to be further involved in unsafe sexual behavior. The purpose of this survey study with cross sectional study design is to examine the relationship of reproduction health resources (role of media, role of parents, role of peers) on the sexual behavior of high school students in Sabang. The population of this study are 607 high school students and 113 of them were selected through univariate proporsional hypothesis test to be the samples for this study and bivariate (Chi square test) with significance level ? &lt;0,05 and level of confidence of 95%. The results using Chi square test shows that significant variables related to sexual behavior are: the role of the media (p = 0.018) role of parents (p = 0.043) and the role of peers (p = 0.014). All of these variables have been associated with sexual behavior. It is suggested that the Department of Health to improve the implementation of outreach programs Teenagers Reproduction Health. With the counseling of students to better understand and care for reproduction health. The Department of Education to improve reproductive health education curriculum, so that students are better able to keep the negative sexual behavior and pornography so that negative interactions can be avoided.

How Alcohol, Space, and Time Influence Young People\u2019s Sexual Encounters in Tanzania: A Qualitative Analysis

A significant under-addressed issue in the global adolescent health agenda is the interaction between alcohol use and sexual encounters among adolescent boys and girls in sub-Saharan Africa. The aim of this study was to explore the structural and environmental factors influencing young people’s access to and use of alcohol, and subsequent engagement in safe or unsafe sexual behaviors in such contexts, from the perspective of young people themselves. We used qualitative and participatory methodologies to explore the experiences and perspectives of 177 adolescent girls and boys in and out of school in four sites across Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Findings suggest that alcohol use intersects with a spatial dimension in relation to where youths are consuming alcohol and subsequently engaging in sex. This in turn influences young people’s likelihood of using condoms and practicing safer sex. The spatial dimension was found to be influenced by time, gender, age, economics, and social norms around the carrying of and use of condoms. Interventions are needed that both address the gendered and social sanctioning of youth carrying condoms in Tanzania and that increase the availability of condoms where alcohol is sold and consumed.

Psychological and Social Determinants of HIV: Path Analysis Evidence from Jepara, Central Java

Background: HIV/AIDS was a global problem as a challenge in health discipline and a very important burden of disease to be addressed. Moreover, it had high mortality. This study aimed to analyze the risk factors for HIV/AIDS infection. Subjects and Method: This was a case control study conducted in Jepara, Central Java, from April to May 2019. A sample of 200 study subjects was selected by fixed disease sampling. The dependent variable was HIV/AIDS. The independent variables were age, gender, unsafe sex behavior, sexual orientation, frequency of intercourse, injection drug abuse, social capital, perceived susceptibility, perceived seriousness, perceived threat, self-efficacy, and geographical location. The data were obtained from medical record and questionnaire. The data were analyzed by path analysis . Results: HIV / AIDS had a direct relationship with the frequency of sexual intercourse (b= 1.23; 95% CI= 0.27 to 2.19; p= 0.012), injecting drug use (b = 2.19; 95% CI= 0.01 to 4.37; p= 0.049), behavior unsafe sex (b= 3.10; 95% CI= 2.21 to 3.99; p <0.001), and sexual orientation (b= 3.69; 95% CI= 1.35 to 6.04; p= 0.002). HIV / AIDS had an indirect relationship with perceptions of threats, gender, geographical location, social capital, perceptions of vulnerability, perception of seriousness, self-efficacy, and age. Conclusions: HIV / AIDS has a direct relationship with the frequency of sexual relations, sexual orientation, unsafe sexual behavior, and injecting drug use. HIV / AIDS has an indirect relationship with age, gender, perception of vulnerability, perception of seriousness, perception of threats, self-efficacy, social capital, and geographical location. Keywords : HIV / AIDS, sexual behavior, social capital, path analysis Correspondence : Ita Fijanah Puspita, Masters Program in Public Health, Universitas Sebelas Maret. Jl. Ir. Sutami 36A, Surakarta 57126, Central Java. Email: itapuspita713@gmail.com. Mobile: 081347970482. Journal of Health Promotion and Behavior (2019), 4(1): 43-54 https://doi.org/10.26911/thejhpb.2019.04.01.05

Magnitude of substances use and associated factors among regular undergraduate students of private higher education institutions in Adama town, Oromia, Ethiopia

Background: Psychoactive substances are those substances which have various natural or synthetic compounds that act on the nervous system causing change in the function that regulate thoughts, behavior and emotions. Abuse of such substances involves increasing the risk of injuries, aggressions and the risk of unsafe sexual behaviors. The problem is even worse when it happens among young people such as students of higher educational institutions. Objectives: The objective of this study was to determine the magnitude of substance use and factors associated among regular undergraduate students of private higher education institutions from June 2018 up to August 2018 in Adama Town, Oromia, Ethiopia, Method: Institutional based cross-sectional study was conducted. Study participants (596) selected using systematic random sampling technique. Data collected using pre-tested self- administered modified WHO Model core questionnaire. The collected data cleaned, coded and entered to Epi-Info 7.2 computer software and analyzed by SPSS version 21.Descriptive statistics used to summarize variables as appropriate. Binary logistic regression used to select variables for multivariable analysis. Result: A total of 596 students participated in the study. The response rate was 100%. Three hundred eighty nine (65.3%) participants were female, Four hundred seventy two (79.2%) were in the age group 18-24 years. Based on this study magnitude of substance use at least for one substance in the last 12 months among the study participants was 33.9% with 95%CI (29.9, 37.6), The most commonly used substance in descending order was Cigarette (7.0%), Khat (6.4%) and Alcohol (3.4%). Based on this study finding all substance use (Cigarette, Khat and Alcohol) together counted (17.1%). Female participation had high significance, family members using substance, believing substance use as good and knowing the risk of substance use also had significance. Based on this study associated factors for substance use showed that to increase work performance 10.2%, to minimize tension 9.7% and due to peer influence 8.7%. Pattern of substance use showed most of the participant’s use substance weekly 14.4%, monthly 7.7%, daily abusers 7.0% and other occasional users were 5.2%. Conclusion: This study showed magnitude 33.9% for at least one substance use for the past 12 months. Family history of students using substance had more significant. Showing the risk of Substance use among study subjects, the created_at of awareness for family members and consistent health education should be continued to fully address the problem of using substance.