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  • Title: Knowledge of sexually transmitted diseases, HIV infection and AIDS among sexually active adolescents in Nairobi, Kenya and its relationship to their sexual behaviour and contraception.
    Author: Lema VM, Hassan MA.
    Journal: East Afr Med J; 1994 Feb; 71(2):122-8. PubMed ID: 7925041.
    Abstract:
    A total of 675 male and female adolescents, aged 10 to 19 years, who were attending the adolescent antenatal clinic at the Kenyatta National Hospital and the Special STD and Skin Disease Clinic in Nairobi, between April 1, 1991 and July 31, 1991, were interviewed by means of partially structured questionnaire, to determine their level of awareness on sexually transmitted diseases, HIV infection, AIDS and contraception with its relationship to their sexual behaviour and contraceptive practice. Adolescents formed 27.6% of people attending the STD and Skin diseases clinic, of whom 52.9% were females and 41.2% were males. Majority of them were not in any formal employment. A few were students in schools in the city. 70.4% of the total group mentioned gonorrhoea as a sexually transmitted disease, as compared to only 54.3% who mentioned AIDS as a sexually transmitted disease. They only mentioned three diseases, namely gonorrhoea, syphilis, and AIDS (HIV infection). Majority of them had started coitus very early. They were involved with many and different partners, some of whom belonged to the high risk groups for HIV infection as well as STD's. As a reflection of their low awareness on AIDS, most of these sexually active adolescents had not changed their sexual behaviour, nor were they using any protective measure against STD's or HIV infection. The implications of these findings are discussed and possible remedial measures suggested. The authors interviewed 675 male and female adolescents aged 14-19 years of mean age 18.2 attending the adolescent antenatal clinic of Kenyatta National Hospital and the Special STD and Skin Disease Clinic in Nairobi between April 1, 1991 and July 31, 1991. The interviews were conducted to determine participants level of awareness on sexually transmitted diseases (STD), HIV infection, AIDS, and contraception relating to their sexual and contraception behaviors. The adolescents comprised 27.6% of clinic attendees; 52.9% were male, 56.5% of males and 77.8% of females were not formally employed and some were students. Respondents mentioned being aware of only three STDs in the following proportions: 70.4% gonorrhea, 56.5% syphilis, and 54.3% AIDS. 76.6% cited print and electronic media as their main sources of information on such subjects. Although the youngest reported age at first coitus was 8 years, the mean age for first intercourse among males and females were, respectively, 15.1 and 16.0 years. 22.6% and 8.3% respectively, of males and females had experienced sexual intercourse by age 14. 93.3% had been sexually active during the preceding 12 months, with 42.4% of these youths reporting having had sex with two or more partners during the period. 37.3% had had sexual intercourse with strangers, bar attendants, and prostitutes, although males were more likely to be involved with such individuals. 75.9% had not used any form of contraception. Communication and education on the risks of unprotected sexual activity are urgently needed in this sexually active population of youths which thus far remains largely ignorant about StDs and contraception.
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