Knowledge, attitude and practice study of HIV in female adolescents presenting for contraceptive services in a rural health district in the north-east of Namibia
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Date
2012
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
OpenJournals Publishing
Abstract
Background: Namibia bears a large burden of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), and the
youth are disproportionately affected.
Objectives: To explore the current knowledge, attitudes and behaviour of female adolescents
attending family planning to HIV prevention.
Methods: A cross-sectional study design was used on a sample 251 unmarried female
adolescents aged from 13 years to 19 years accessing primary care services for contraception
using an interviewer-administered questionnaire. Data were analysed using Epi Info 2002.
Crude associations were assessed using cross-tabulations of knowledge, attitude and behaviour
scores against demographic variables. Chi-square tests and odds ratios were used to assess
associations from the cross-tabulations. All p-values < 0.05 were considered statistically
significant.
Results: A quarter of sexually active teenagers attending the family-planning services did not
have adequate knowledge of HIV prevention strategies. Less than a quarter (23.9%) always
used a condom. Most respondents (83.3%) started sexual intercourse when older than 16 years,
but only 38.6% used a condom at their sexual debut. The older the girls were at sexual debut,
the more likely they were to use a condom for the event (8% did so at age 13 years and 100% at
age 19 years).
Conclusions: Knowledge of condom use as an HIV prevention strategy did not translate into
consistent condom use. One alternate approach in family-planning facilities may be to encourage
condom use as a dual protection method. Delayed onset of sexual activity and consistent use of
condoms should be encouraged amongst schoolchildren, in the school setting.
Description
Keywords
Female adolescents, Namibia, HIV prevention, Family planning services
Citation
Ntumba A, Scott V, Igumbor, E. (2012). Knowledge, attitude and practice study of HIV in female adolescents presenting for contraceptive services in a rural health district in the north-east of Namibia. African Journal of Primary Health Care & Family Medicine, 4(1), Art. #342, 7 pages