Objectives: To describe risk behavior and condom use among Cameroonian urban youth, in order to illustrate the need for reproductive health programs targeting youth.
Data and Methods: Data stem from a reproductive health survey conducted in July-August 2000 among a representative sample of 1,910 unmarried youth aged 15-24. We focus on gender differentials in sexual behavior and condom use, but also examine differentials by age, socio-economic status, and education.
Results: 29% of all males and 16% of all females reported becoming sexually active by age 15 (c2=42.5;p=.000). Overall, 69% of males and 62% females aged 15-24 were sexually experienced (c2=10.7;p=.001). Many males reported having multiple sexual partners, either simultaneously or sequentially. Among youth 15-24, 20% of males but only 11% of females reported having two or more regular partners in the past year (c2=31.4;p=.000). Likewise, 17% of males and 3% of females reported having two or more casual partners (c2=106.4;p=.000). 44% of males and 34% of females reported using a condom in last sex with a regular partner (c2=11.5;p=.000). With casual partners, this was 60% and 47%, respectively (c2=3.8;p=.052).
Conclusions: In urban Cameroon, sexual initiation is often early. Despite the HIV epidemic, a substantial fraction of youth, males in particular, continue to have high rates of partner change. Condom use in casual relationships is fairly high. However, condom use in regular relationships remains fairly low, even though many youth had multiple regular partners. These findings illustrate the need for youth-targeted reproductive health programs in urban Cameroon.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the learner will be able to: 1. Discuss the nature and extent of HIV risk behavior among youth in urban Cameroon, 2. Discuss the extent of condom use among urban youth, and 3. Recognize the need for HIV prevention programs that specifically target youth.
Keywords: Sexual Risk Behavior, Condom Use
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.