An investigation into factors contributing to sexual behaviours among adolescents in rural KwaZulu-Natal.
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Date
2009
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Abstract
This study investigated the factors contributing to sexual behaviours and the extent of
rural adolescent’s involvement in risky sexual behaviour. A quantitative research design
was used based on the Theory of Planned Behaviour which informed the questionnaire to
be used. Participants comprised of 60 adolescents, 16-19 years old, who were recruited
from a rural school in eThekwini Metro, KwaZulu–Natal province, in South Africa.
Data was collected using a self-administered questionnaire developed and adapted by the
researcher. This questionnaire comprised of questions regarding socio-demographic
issues, adolescent knowledge of HIV and AIDS, communication (with partner, friends
and parents), self-efficacy in relationships, consequences of unprotected sex, perceptions
regarding future risks of HIV/AIDS, STIs, and pregnancy, as well as various questions
pertaining to sexual activity including use of condoms.
The Statistical Package for Social Scientists (SPSS 13) was used for the data analysis.
Frequencies were calculated for each item. Chi-square analysis was conducted to
determine the association between demographic variables of gender and age and the
items related to HIV transmission that showed some variation on the response categories.
Independent samples T-tests were conducted in order to explore whether significant
differences occurred in the mean scores for the two groups male and female including
younger and older age groups and various continuous variables.
The study revealed that the majority of adolescents have a high level of knowledge
regarding HIV. The adolescents also seemed to have high level of self-efficacy regarding
the use of condoms, which is a good foundation for the prevention of teenage pregnancies
and HIV infection. The findings also indicate that family disorganization, lack of
communication between adolescent and their parents, and poor access to health
information are some of the factors influencing adolescent sexual behaviour. Even though
adolescent knowledge about HIV, and skills involving communication with friends and
partners and condom use were found to be good, peer influence, gender-role
expectations, norms and values still influences the engagement by adolescents in unsafe
sexual activities. The study also revealed that issues like lack of access to health
information still remain a challenge to most adolescents, which needs urgent attention
from health authorities. The results of this study indicate a need for the department of
health to revisit some of their programmes and strategies to deal with issues identified by
this study as weaknesses, as most of the current health programmes are aimed at
increasing knowledge and self-efficacy. It is also recommended that health programmes
aimed at peers norms, values and cultures be implemented in order to positively influence
adolescents’ sexual behaviours.
The majority of adolescents (75%) indicated that they are using condoms when having
sexual intercourse with their partners, while others showed positive attitude towards
condom use and indicated intention to continue engaging in safer sex. These findings can
be attributed to multi-sectoral interventions, especially interventions by the National
Department of Health and Education as well as other Agencies.
Description
Thesis (M.A.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 2009.
Keywords
Youth--Sexual behaviour--KwaZulu-Natal., Theses--Psychology.