HIV risk behaviors, intentions, and perceptions among Namibian youth as assessed by a theory-based questionnaire.

Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 1999. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.

HIV risk behaviors, intentions, and perceptions among Namibian youth as assessed by a theory-based questionnaire.

AIDS Educ Prev. 1999 Apr;11(2):132-49. Unique Identifier : AIDSLINE MED/99231112
Stanton BF; Fitzgerald AM; Li X; Shipena H; Ricardo IB; Galbraith JS; Terreri N; Strijdom J; Hangula-Ndlovu V; Kahihuata J; Department of Pediatrics, University of Maryland, Baltimore; 21201, USA. bstanton@umabnet.ab.umd.edu

Abstract: Considerable progress has been made in the United States and Europe regarding HIV risk prevention efforts targeting adolescents. However, in Africa less progress has been made to date. This article address three questions: Can risk assessment questionnaires developed in Western countries be modified so as to be appropriate for use in African countries? Are social cognitive models appropriate in African settings? Does covariation among risk behaviors occur among youth residing in African countries? The data was obtained from a cross-sectional survey conducted among 922 youth ages 12 to 18 years living in school-based hostels in Namibia. Data were collected using a theory-based risk assessment questionnaire. One third of the youth were sexually experienced, three quarters of whom had engaged in sexual intercourse in the previous 6 months. Over one third of these youth had had more that one sexual partner in the previous 6 months and over one half had not used a condom at last episode of intercourse. The psychometric properties of the questionnaire and the relationship between perceptions and behaviors provide evidence that theory-based questionnaires developed in Western countries can be modified for use in different cultural settings. The data also provide strong evidence of covariation between risk behaviors among Namibian youth.

Keywords: JOURNAL ARTICLE Adolescence Age Factors Attitude to Health/*ETHNOLOGY Child Cross-Sectional Studies Female Focus Groups Health Behavior/*ETHNOLOGY Health Surveys Human HIV Infections/*PSYCHOLOGY Male Motivation Namibia/EPIDEMIOLOGY Psychometrics/*METHODS/STANDARDS Questionnaires/*STANDARDS Risk Assessment/METHODS/STANDARDS *Risk-Taking Self Efficacy Sex Behavior/PSYCHOLOGY/STATISTICS & NUMER DATA Sex Factors Statistics Support, Non-U.S. Gov't Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S. Technology Transfer Translating Western World
990930
A9991320

AEGiS is a 501(c)3, not-for-profit, tax-exempt, educational corporation. AEGiS is made possible through unrestricted funding from Boehringer Ingelheim, Bridgestone/Firestone Charitable Trust, Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, Elton John AIDS Foundation, Gill Foundation, the National Library of Medicine, Quest Diagnostics, Roche and Trimeris, and donations from users like you. Always watch for outdated information. This article first appeared in 1999. This material is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between you and your doctor.

AEGiS presents published material, reprinted with permission and neither endorses nor opposes any material. All information contained on this website, including information relating to health conditions, products, and treatments, is for informational purposes only. It is often presented in summary or aggregate form. It is not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professionals. Always discuss treatment options with a doctor who specializes in treating HIV.

Copyright ©1980, 1999. AEGiS. All materials appearing on AEGiS are protected by copyright as a collective work or compilation under U.S. copyright and other laws and are the property of AEGiS, or the party credited as the provider of the content. .