HIV risk behaviors, intentions, and perceptions among Namibian youth as assessed by a theory-based questionnaire
Stanton, B.F.; Fitzgerald, A.M.; Li, X.; Shipena, H.; Ricardo, I.B.; Galbraith, J.S.; Terreri, N.; Strijdom, J.; Hangula-Ndlovu, V.; Kahihuata, J.
Aids Education and Prevention Official Publication of the International Society for Aids Education 11(2): 132-149
1999
ISSN/ISBN: 0899-9546 PMID: 10214497 Document Number: 281942
Findings are presented from an investigation into whether risk assessment questionnaires developed in Western countries can be modified to be used appropriately in African countries. The authors also explored whether covariation among risk behaviors occurs among youth living in African countries. Data were obtained from a cross-sectional survey conducted among 922 individuals aged 12-18 years, of median age 15 years, living in school-based hostels in Namibia. 49% of the subjects were male. 37% overall and 56% of the boys had ever had sexual intercourse, of whom 70% had experienced such intercourse during the preceding 6 months. 29% of those who were sexually experienced reported having more than 1 sex partner in the previous 6 months and 50% used a condom during their most recent intercourse. Study findings suggest that theory-based questionnaires developed in Western countries can be modified for use in different cultural settings. Study data also provide strong evidence of covariation between risk behaviors among Namibian youth.