Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2006. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
 |
New Vision (Kampala) - December 4, 2006
Hilary Bainemigisha
The survey, conducted by Uganda National Bureau of Statistics in conjunction with ORC Macro, Makerere Institue of Social Research (MISR) and Guttmacher Institute, also indicates that 23% of females in that age group were forced into their first sexual encounter. The study, which sampled 5,112 adolescents (2,602 females and 2,510 males), aged 12-19, was released by Panos Eastern Africa last week.
But most shocking of all was the revelation that 16% girls said their relatives forced them into sex. These were, ranked in their danger order, other family members, uncle, step father, brother and father. For boys, it is aunt, sister and other family members. Mothers, real and step, were given a clean bill of innocence.
The master tempter who pressures girls into sex is a stranger, followed by acquaintances, then boyfriends and schoolmates.
Reasons for sex were varied but included force, gifts or money, peer pressure, natural urge and desire to be pregnant.
The survey also revealed that:
18% of young girls aged 12-14 in Uganda, who have never had sex, and never had a boyfriend, have fondled or kissed romantically.
Almost half of all adolescents said they usually do not plan to have sex; it just happens.
Six out of 10 girls were eager to break their virginity and almost seven out of 10 did not use any protection.
7% of girls and 18% of the boys confessed their first sex was a casual acquaintance.
9% said the man they had sex with was 10 years and above older than themselves.
23% of the sexually active boys had three or more lifetime sexual partners as compared to 9% of the girls.
Lead researcher Dr Stella Neema and colleagues carried out the survey between January and July 2004. The study covers all districts except Kalangala, Kanungu and four others in northern Uganda, which were deemed too insecure.
Abstinence working
Approximately three out of 10 young people are not virgins. Although this is still unacceptable, it is some victory for the Abstinence movement.
The previous Demographic and Health Survey of 2001 had this figure at about five out of 10 (45%).
Our children acknowledged the external pressure not to have sex but said the flag bearer of the crusade is the mother. Girls say next to the mothers, is their fellow female family member followed by the dad, the teacher and then female friends.
Interventions
Neema recommended a multiplicity of approaches and co-ordinated efforts of governments, development partner, individuals, communities and institutions.
Government has adopted specific policies that address adolescent sexual and reproductive behaviour. The minister for the presidency, Dr Beatrice Wabudeya said at the launch that we need to focus on implementation to achieve results.
She said young girls needed special attention. "Over half of the girls marry while still teenagers. Some marry older husbands who have had many sexual partners and are exposed to HIV and other STI risks.
Wabudeya said to solve the problem, we need to start with our homes and especially the frequent visiting relatives.
061204
NV061212
Copyright © 2006 - The New Vision. All articles are republished on AEGIS by permission. Material may not be redistributed, posted to any other location, published or used for broadcast without written authorization from Managing Director/Editor-in-chief, The New Vision, P.O. Box 9815, Kampala - Uganda, Tel/fax: 256-41-235221, E-mail: wpike@newvision.co.ug.
AEGiS is a 501(c)3, not-for-profit, tax-exempt, educational corporation. AEGiS is made possible through unrestricted grants from Boehringer Ingelheim, Bridgestone/Firestone Charitable Trust, Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, Elton John AIDS Foundation, the National Library of Medicine, Roche and Trimeris, and donations from users like you. Always watch for outdated information. This article first appeared in 2006. 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, 2006. 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. .