Kemmegne J, Kiawi EC, Touko A; International Conference on AIDS.
Int Conf AIDS. 2002 Jul 7-12; 14: abstract no. WePeE6526.
University of Yaounde 1/Cameroon Psychology Forum, Yaounde, Cameroon
BACKGROUND: The need is pressing for a better understanding of the characteristics of the first sexual intercourse (FSI) in attempts to design appropriate programme for adolescents. METHODS: This paper uses part of a larger survey (Aug. 2001 to Sept. 2001) carried out in the Grass-fields, West Province of Cameroon. This region basically agricultural, has a polygamic dominance and sex is a taboo. A face to face questionnaire exploring the sexual behaviour, was used to collect data from 903 boys and girls aged 15-19 years randomly selected. Simple cross tabulation and logistic regression analysis were used to assess factors related to FSI and the non-use of condom. RESULTS: 53.2% of the adolescents have had their FSI. The mean age at the FSI was lower for boys than for girls (14.8vs15.8, p<0.005). Other information(%) in the patterns of sexual initiation are shown in the table. [table: see text] Odd ratios (OR) from logistic regression analyses showed that residence and education seem to play important roles with regard to the likelihood of condom non-use during the FSI. Failure to use condom was more likely among adolescents living in rural area (OR: 3.1 'boys' vs 3.3 'girls') and among non-scholars (2.5 vs 2.7). Boys aged<15years at the moment of the FSI were 5.6 times more likely not to use condom. Non-voluntary sex was associated with a high likelihood of condom non-use among girls (6.2). CONCLUSION: This study shows a high risk associated to the FSI and suggests the need to set up HIV/AIDS programmes which target youths early before the age of initiation to sexual life.
Publication Types:
Keywords:
- Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome
- Adolescent
- Adolescent Behavior
- Adolescent Psychology
- Cameroon
- Coitus
- Condoms
- Data Collection
- Female
- HIV Infections
- Humans
- Male
- Questionnaires
- Safe Sex
- Sexual Behavior
Other ID:
UI: 102256789
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