Survey of sexual behaviour among Anglican youth in the Western Cape
Mash, R.; Kareithi, R.; Mash, B.
South African Medical Journal 96(2): 124 126-7
2006
ISSN/ISBN: 0256-9574 PMID: 16532080 Document Number: 601421
A survey was conducted to explore the sexual behaviour of adolescents (aged 12-19 years) within the Anglican church in Western Cape, South Africa, and to determine the relevance of church's message on sex . 1360 adolescents participated. They were asked to complete a questionnaire and participate in focus group discussions. Of the participants, 59% were males, 64% were from urban areas and 36% were from rural areas, and the ethnic breakdown was 78% coloured, 12% black and 10% white. 405 adolescents (31%) were sexually active, 65% of them did not use condoms during their first sexual encounter and 66% had more than one sexual partner. Engaging in sexual activity was perceived to be due to peer pressure, the need to give and receive love, seeing other people having sex, threats, material gain, positive media images and boredom. Abstaining from sexual activity was perceived to be supported by peer pressure, parental influence and sharing of experience, and extracurricular activities. Overall, the adolescents believed that parents are important source of information, but were often perceived to be uncomfortable answering questions about sex. Schools were also perceived as an important source of information, but the sex education messages were not individually targeted and dealt primarily with biological information on sex and HIV. Although 72% had received teaching on sex in their church, this did not appear to impact on their sexual behaviour. Recommendations to improve the impact of the church on the sexual behaviour of adolescents are given.