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Risk Factors for HIV-AIDS Among Youth in Cape Town, South Africa

AIDS and Behavior volume 9, pages 53–61 (2005)Cite this article

Abstract

South Africa is in the midst of a devastating HIV-AIDS epidemic and most new HIV infections occur among young adults and adolescents. The current study examined risk behaviors and HIV risk factors among young people living in a Black South African township. Using community-based outreach methods of street intercept and facility-based surveying, 113 men and 115 women age 25 and younger responded to an anonymous survey. Results showed that men (68%) and women (56%) reported HIV-related high risk sexual behaviors. Although knowledge about HIV transmission was generally high, there was evidence that misconceptions about AIDS persist, particularly myths related to HIV transmission. For young men, HIV risk factors were associated with fewer years of education, lower levels of AIDS-related knowledge, condom attitudes, and Dagga (marijuana) use. Among young women, HIV risk factors were associated with beliefs that condoms get in the way of sex and rates of unprotected vaginal intercourse. Despite adequate general AIDS knowledge and risk sensitization, South African youth demonstrated high rates of sexual practices that place them at risk for HIV infection. There is an urgent need for behavioral interventions targeted to young South Africans living in the most economically disadvantaged areas.

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Affiliations

  1. Social Aspects of HIV/AIDS and Health, Human Sciences Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa

    Leickness C. Simbayi, Sean Jooste & Sakhumzi Mfecane

  2. Department of Psychology, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut

    Seth C. Kalichman, Charsey Cherry & Demetria Cain

  3. Social Aspects of HIV/AIDS and Health, Human Sciences Research Council, Cape Town, P. Bag X9182, 8000, South Africa

    Leickness C. Simbayi

  4. Department of Psychology, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut, 06269

    Seth C. Kalichman

Authors
  1. Leickness C. Simbayi
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  2. Seth C. Kalichman
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  3. Sean Jooste
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  4. Charsey Cherry
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  5. Sakhumzi Mfecane
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  6. Demetria Cain
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Corresponding authors

Correspondence to Leickness C. Simbayi or Seth C. Kalichman.

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Simbayi, L.C., Kalichman, S.C., Jooste, S. et al. Risk Factors for HIV-AIDS Among Youth in Cape Town, South Africa. AIDS Behav 9, 53–61 (2005). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10461-005-1681-4

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10461-005-1681-4

Keywords

  • HIV prevention
  • youth at risk
  • South Africa