Factors that Influence Attitudes and Sexual Behavior among Constituency Youth Workers in Oshana Region, Namibia

Olusheyi O. Lawoyin, Ruth M. Kanthula

Abstract

This survey was carried out to assess attitudes and behaviour among youth within four constituencies in Oshana region, Namibia and to understand to how certain social and cultural factors inform attitudes and influence sexual behaviour among the population of young people surveyed.  Using a structured questionnaire, data were collected from a random sample of eighty young men and women between the ages of 15-30 years from four constituencies in Oshana region. Survey outcomes revealed attitudes and certain factors that are linked to sexual risk behaviour such as multiple sexual partnerships. Outcomes also reveal an influence of established socio-cultural norms on gender dynamics within relationships and a culture of reserve around discussions of sex and sexuality among young people. Stakeholder interventions should be directed towards incorporating approaches that address these factors as part of efforts to curb the incidence of HIV among young people in Namibia (Afr J Reprod Health 2010; 14[1]:5569).

 

RĖSUMĖ

 

Facteurs qui influent sur les attitudes et le comportement sexuel chez les travailleurs dans la circonscription electorale de la jeunesse dans la region d’Oshana, Namibie. Nous avons entrepris cette étude pour évaluer les attitudes et le comportement dans quatre circonscriptions, électorales dans la région d’Oshana, en Nambie et pour comprendre comment certains facteurs soucieux et culturels affectent des attitudes et influencent sur le comportement sexuel chez la population des jeunes gens enquêtés.  A l’aide d’un questionnaire structuré nous avons recueilli des données d’un échantillon au hasard de la part de quatre-vingt jeunes hommes et jeunes femmes âgés de 15 – 30 ans qui venaient de quatre circonscriptions électorales dans la région d’Oshana en Namibie.  Les résultats de l’enquête ont révélé des attitudes et certains facteurs qui sont liés au comportement des risques sexuels tel le fait d’avoir des partenaires sexuels multiples.  Les résultats ont révélé également une influence des normes socioculturelles établies sur les dynamiques de sexe au sein des rapports et une culture de réserve autour des discussions sur le sexe et la sexualité parmi les jeunes gens. Les interventions des intéressés devraient être dirigées vers l’incorporation des approches qui abordent ces facteurs comme faisant partie des efforts pour réduire l’incidence du VIH chez les jeunes gens en Namibie (Afr J Reprod Health 2010; 14[1]:55-69).

 

 

 

 

KEYWORDS: Sexual risk behaviour, Gender, HIV prevention, Sexual and reproductive health

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