Prevalence, distribution and behavioral determinants of coital activity among high school students in Namibia
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Date
2011
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of Namibia
Abstract
Although HIV transmission among Namibian in-school adolescents is mainly heterosexual, previous
data on sexual activity are not disaggregated, making It difficult to target interventions. This study
conducted a disaggregated analysis of coital activity and explored various factors associated with
coital activity among Namibian High School students. A cross-sectional survey was carried out in 18
schools located in six education regions. Data were collected from 829 students through a structured
questionnaire. Pearson i analysis was used to determine the distribution of coital activity for students
from different regions, rural-urban areas, ethnic groups, and gender. Factors associated with coital
activity were established by the use of odds ratios and multivariate logistic regression analysis. Overall,
50.2% of the students never had sex before and 29.2% were sexually active. Pearson i analysis
showed that coital activity was significantly high among students In the Caprivl region, urban areas,
Lozl, Herero and Damara-Nama ethnic groups, and male gender. Multivariate logistic regression
showed that the only significant factors positively associated with coital activity were Herero ethnlcity,
male gender, testing for HIV, thinking one could not get HIV if they were faithful to a single sexual
partner, having a boyfriend of girlfriend, and drinking beer. These disaggregated results will help
design targeted HIV/AIDS preventive programmes for High School students In Namibia. This can be
done by targeting messages that reduce students' coital activity by way of altering personal, peer, and
social behaviours.
Description
Keywords
Prevalence, Distribution, Determinants, Coital activity, Students
Citation
Chinsembuh, K. C. 2011. Prevalence, distribution and behavioural determinants of coital activity among High School students in Namibia: A cross-sectional study. Journal of Public Health and Epidemiology 3(7): 308-316.