Addy P, Addy J; International Conference on AIDS.

Int Conf AIDS. 1992 Jul 19-24; 8: D445 (abstract no. PoD 5351).

Department of Clinical Microbiology, U.S.T. School of Medical Sciences, Kumasi, Ghana.

OBJECTIVES: The study aims to determine the patterns of sexual behaviour and influencing factors thereof, specifically high-risk STD/AIDS exposure factors. METHODS: A self-administered/assisted questionnaire was designed to elicit knowledge about STDs, sexual behaviour, contraceptive practices and condom usage. Polyclinic records on STD cases were also reviewed. Data analysis was by descriptive and analytical statistical methods. Chi-square was used to determine significance levels of male/female differences and other associations. RESULTS: More women (62.0%) than men (35.0%) in the study favoured both male and female promiscuity. A month prior to this study 70.0% of the study population maintained only one sexual partner; 14.0% of the respondents had 2 sexual partners and 16.0% kept 3 or more sexual partners, with 8.0% having no stable partners, who together with 22.0% respondents indulged in high-risk sex, irrespective of their marital status. Despite the fact that 56.0% of the respondents understood high-risk sexual behaviour, 28.0% kept multiple sexual partners and 23.0% and 21.0% of male and female respondents, respectively, even allowed themselves to be infected through casual sex. The frequency of STDs indicated that Gonorrhoea and non-specific gonococcal urethritis were more prevalent among the high-risk sexual practitioners and the promiscuous than the overall study population. CONCLUSIONS: Accurate knowledge about STDs and the dangers inherent in high-risk sexual behaviour does not alone engender positive sexual behaviour change. A direct relationship exists not only between the number of lovers and the frequency of indulgence in casual sexual relationships but also between the number of lovers and the frequency of STD occurrence. It is the type and not the number of permanent sexual partners that determines high risk behaviour. The frequency of gonorrhoea and non-specific gonococcal urethritis may serve as a marker of the level of sexual behavioural change.

Publication Types:

• Meeting Abstracts

Keywords:

• Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome
• Condoms
• Data Collection
• Female
• Ghana
• Gonorrhea
• Humans
• Male
• Marital Status
• Questionnaires
• Sexual Behavior
• Sexual Partners
• Sexually Transmitted Diseases
• Suburban Population
• Unsafe Sex

Other ID:

• 92402856

UI: 102200570

From Meeting Abstracts