HIV/AIDS PREVENTION: IS ABSTINENCE AMONG THE YOUTH FEASIBLE

ABSTRACT

Abstinence as a preventive method against HIV/ADDS has attracted the attention of

demographers, planners and public health practitioners for some time now. Concern has

been expressed that as yet there is no available evidence that adopts an analytical

approach to the effectiveness of abstinence programmes based upon the evidence

available. Rather, descriptions and discussion tend to be based on moral positions. This

cross-sectional descriptive study sought to explore the phenomenon from the perspective

of stakeholders. The focus was on the perceptive of all stakeholders about HTV/AIDS

and abstinence with reference to the available literature on the subject.

A structured questionnaire was administered to One hundred and fifty youth from Ejisu

community and 15 others within the sub-district. In addition FGD was held with

Queenmothers, Parents, Teachers and Church leaders. In-depth interview was held with

religious leaders and health workers. The respondents demonstrated a high level of

awareness about the issue with respect to the health and socio-economic effects.

The Majority of Community Leaders acknowledged the high rates o f indiscriminate

sexual activities among the youth and the general problem of lack of adequate parental

supervision as a result of economic hardships.

The study revealed that a number of motivating factors including good parenting,

traditional/ Religious beliefs, school and Virgins' Club programmes among others have

helped them to abstain from sex.

It was further indicated that abstinence among the youth as a preventive measure against

HIV/AIDS could be feasible if more attention is given to the campaign on abstinence

(88% of respondent were abstinent). The youth said that they know the benefits

associated with abstinence as a preventive method against HTV/AIDS. The 76 members

o f the Virgins Club interviewed demonstrated a high level of contentment and a sense of

pride as virgins.