Knowledge, attitudes and practices of teenagers regarding safer sex in Onandjokwe health district

Abstract

Abstract by author:

The purpose of this study was to explore and describe knowledge, attitudes and practices of safer sex by teenagers in Onandjokwe Health District; Oshikoto region with the aim of formulating appropriate recommendation which will help to improve the provision of information to teenagers

A qualitative, exploratory, descriptive, contextual design was used to carry out the study. Focus group discussions were conducted. The population consisted of teenage learners in Grade lO between the ages of 14-19 years. Stratified random sampling was used to select the participants from different schools which are within 10km radius from Onandjokwe Hospital which was the centre of the researcher. The same initial question was asked in each focus group to initiate the discussion. The main question was "How do you understand safer sex?" The data was analyzed according to Tesch's method

The results indicated that teenagers have some knowledge on safer sex and other sexual health related aspects but such knowledge is limited. However they do have positive attitudes towards safer sex as they are not prepared to indulge in sex without preventive measures such as condoms/femidoms or to be forced into sexual activities when they are not ready

Teenagers have also indicated that they practice safer sex by staying away from sex or by using condoms, masturbating and kissing or touching each other in order to satisfy their sexual needs. However they have problem with condom sizes as most of the condoms are too big for them and sometimes condoms are not available at all

The results have also indicated that there are few or lack of educational programs which deals with the provision of information to teenagers regarding sexual health. Some people who were identified as source of information to teenagers do not really provide adequate information to teenagers regarding safer sex

Recommendations to improve knowledge, attitudes and practices of teenagers regarding safer sex were formulated and described. This includes the following: (a) There is a need to improve knowledge of teenagers regarding safer sex and other sexually health related issues through teaching young people sexual development from early age. (b) Condoms need to be accessible and available to teenagers. (c) Teachers need to be helped so that they can convey sexual health related information to teenagers in a more balanced manner. (d) Parents need to be involved in educating their children on sexual health issues. (e) There is a need to strengthen the existing educational programs and to develop other educational programs especially to those schools which do nothave any educational programs. (f) Similar research need to be conducted in other regions to determine knowledge, attitudes and practices of teenagers regarding safer sex