Correlates of HIV Risk Reduction Self-Efficacy among Youth in South Africa. (28th November 2012)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Louw, Julia; Peltzer, Karl; Chirinda, Witness
• Other Names: Ikuta K. Academic Editor.; Rappaport J. Academic Editor.
• Is Part Of: TheScientificWorldjournal. Volume 2012(2012)
• Publication Date: 2012-11-28
• Subjects: Science -- Periodicals; Technology -- Periodicals; Medicine -- Periodicals; 505
• DOI: 10.1100/2012/817315
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2356-6140

Abstract

Abstract : Even though a decline in HIV prevalence has been reported among South African youth 15–24 from 10.3% in 2005 to 8.6% in 2008, the prevalence remains disproportionately high for females overall in comparison to males. This study examines factors associated by HIV risk reduction self-efficacy of South African youth as part of an evaluation of the impact of loveLife, a youth focused HIV prevention programme. A cross-sectional population-based household survey was conducted with persons of ages 18 to 24 years in four selected provinces in South Africa. Among female respondents (n = 1007 ), factors associated with high self-efficacy in the adjusted model were having a low HIV risk perception, HIV/AIDS stigma, ever using drugs, and having life goals. Male respondents (n = 1127 ) with high self-efficacy were more likely to have been tested for HIV, have concurrent sexual partners, have had a transactional sex partner in lifetime, a low HIV risk perception, difficulty in having condoms, agreed with coercive sex, high relationship control, and had loveLife face-to-face programme participation. The factors identified with high self-efficacy and HIV-sexual risk behaviour may be considered to strengthen youth HIV prevention programmes in South Africa.