ISSN 2736-1748
African Journal of AIDS and HIV Research ISSN 2326-2691 Vol. 7 (1), pp. 001-014, January, 2019. © International Scholars Journals
Full Length Research Paper
Analysis of coital activity, number of sexual partners, and non-use of condoms among High School students in Namibia: Implications for the ABC approach
Kazhila C. Chinsembu1*, Choshi D. Kasanda2, Cornelia N. Shimwooshili-Shaimemanya2 and Donovan Zealand2
1Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Namibia, P/B 13301, Windhoek, Namibia.
2Department of Science, Mathematics and Sports Education, Faculty of Education, University of Namibia, P/B 13301, Windhoek, Namibia.
Accepted 09 December, 2018
Abstract
Understanding sexual risk behaviours is important in monitoring the effectiveness of HIV/AIDS preventive interventions such as the ABC (abstinence, be faithful, and use a condom) approach. This study analysed the sexual activity, numbers of sexual partners, and non-use of condoms among Namibian High School students. A randomised cross-sectional survey was carried out in 18 High Schools located in six educational regions (a directorate headed by a director responsible for all schools in the region). Data were collected from 829 students that completed a structured questionnaire. Analysis of data was done using parametric and non-parametric statistics. The results showed that 16.1% of students had their coital debut at 8 years of age. Students that were male, in rural areas, Kavango region and Kavango ethnic group, and in Grade 9 had significantly lower ages of coital debut. Caprivi region had highest significant proportion of students that were sexually active. Male gender, Herero ethnicity, HIV testing, invincibility to HIV infection, and boyfriend-girlfriend relationships were positively associated with increased sexual activity. Students that were male and from the Damara-Nama, Lozi, and Herero ethnic groups had significantly higher mean numbers of sexual partners. The mean number of times that students did not use condoms was significantly higher in urban areas, Caprivi region, and among students from the Herero ethnic group. Determinants of condom use were also revealed. The findings of this study highlight the need for disaggregated data in order to target specific A, B, and C messages to appropriate sub-groups of Namibian High School students who are at a higher risk of HIV/AIDS infection.
Key words: Coitus, sexual partners, condoms, High School students, Namibia, ABC approach.