Access to information on HIV/AIDS for teenagers in Malawi

Abstract

Abstract by author:

The study revealed that youths have access to HlV/AIDS information, but the information is not adequate because a good proportion of youths still have misconceptions and lack knowledge on HIV/AIDS issues. The findings also revealed that youths want to access more HIV/AIDS information. Other findings indicate that some traditions in Malawi contribute to HIV/AIDS infection. These traditions, conventions, beliefs and practices are the ones that predispose adolescents to HIV/AIDS infection and they are predominant especially in the rural areas. The study also revealed that social norms regarding the way girls are brought up often result in a lack of life skills that young females need if they are to make positive decisions about their sexual lives. Sexual health attitudes and behaviors greatly affect adolescents' risk to HIV/AIDS infection. On campaigns and HIV/AIDS information materials, the youths showed concern that it does not incorporate the youths behavior and their life style factors. It would be effective if it incorporate this information and if the youth participate in the designing of the campaigns