HIV/AIDS Prevention: Is Abstinence among the Youth Feasible

Abstract

Abstinence as a preventive method against HIV/AIDS 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 HIV/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 Queen mothers, 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 of 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 HIV/AIDS. The 76 members of the Virgins Club interviewed demonstrated a high level of contentment and a sense of pride as virgins.