Factors Determining Behaviour Change in Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health

Abstract

There has been increased attention on adolescent sexual and reproductive health partly due to the high rates of HIV/AIDS infection. A cross- sectional study collected data on adolescent sexuality and reproductive health among youth aged 10-19 in August 2005. A total of 210 respondents participated in the study and a sub-sample of 30 parents were purposively sampled and participated in the focus group discussions. The focus of the study was to collect information that would measure knowledge, attitude, behaviour change and practice (KABP). The sample was obtained using simple random sampling. The degree of precision was set at 95% confidence level. Data was collected using structured questionnaires, and focus group discussions. Each respondent had an opportunity to make an informed decision to participate in the study. Once the data was generated, epidemiological information was used to clean and analyze the data. It was evident from the study that sexual initiation starts very early and is usually unprotected. Although there was a high response rate on issues of sexual purity, the study showed that a good number of adolescents claimed to be "born again" (20%) but they still faced the challenge of maintaining sexual purity. Knowledge about sexuality, reproductive health, HIV/AIDS was evident, but adolescents were not using the information to make informed decisions about their sexuality. About 11% of the respondents were currently involved in pre-marital sex. It was clear that peer information is important for the youth. The need for peer educators therefore cannot be over-emphasised. A higher number of girls engaged in boy/girl relationships due to peer pressure when compared to boys. Parents were cited as the single biggest barrier to service provision to adolescents. They played a low role in both provision of information and socio-emotional support. This study recommends that parents need Abstracts 143 to be helped to build their capacity, skills and the information to help young people deal adequately with sexuality-related issues. The study notes that adolescents, who do not reach their full potential, are destined to make few contributions to society. Careful efforts to improve the conditions that most directly affect a child's ability to cope with social and environmental challenges should be made