The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA

Abstract #42278

Patricia L. Yepassis-Zembrou, MD, MPH¹, Marcia Weaver, PhD², Stephen Gloyd, MD, MPH³, Modeste Hoza, MD, MPH⁴, Marcel Massanga, MD⁴, Jean Mazi, MD⁴, and Gerard Gresenguet, MD, MPH⁴. (1) International Health/Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Washington, P.O. Box 357236, Seattle, WA 98195, Central African Republic, (206) 685 1762, pyepass@u.washington.edu, (2) Department of Health Services, University of Washington, Box 359932, Seattle, WA 98195-8852, (3) Health Services/International Health, University of Washington, 1959 NE Pacific Street, H-660 P.O. Box 357660, Seattle, WA 98195-7660, Mozambique, (4) Service de Sante des Adolescents et de L'Education, Centre de Sante Scolaire et Universitaire (CSSU), BP 1416, Bangui, Central African Republic

To describe the knowledge of STD/HIV, behaviors, perceived risks and sexual networks among secondary-school students and evaluate the relationship between these characteristics with the risk of having STD, a cross-sectional survey was conducted among students aged 15 to 19 in Bangui using self-administered questionnaires. Of the 700 respondents, 84% of boys and 80% of girls were sexually active and 18% had experienced a STD. The mean years of sexual activity are higher for boys compare to girls (2.3 +/- 1.8, versus 1.5 +/- 1.3). There were no significant STD and HIV knowledge differences between males and females. The main reliable and trustful reported sources of information were radio, television and health centers. Eighty five percent of boys and 81% of girls said they were willing to be tested for HIV, but few did it. HIV and syphilis prevalence were 2% and 2.6% among students tested. Boys were more likely to report younger, more concomitant, and lifetime sexual partners than girls (p<0.0001). Males were also more likely to report having received money and grades in exchange of sex (OR=3.90 95%CI=2.45, 6.18 and OR=3.19, 95% CI=1.80, 5.66). Majority of boys had their partners in their core group, i.e. students, whereas girls engaged across the core, bridge and peripheral groups. The principal predictors of reported having had STD were the years of sexual activity, knowledge of syphilis signs, and the number of concomitant sexual partners. STD/HIV prevention strategies should consider sexual behavior characteristics and sexual network divergences between boys and girls.

Learning Objectives:

• 3. Describe HIV/STD knowledge, attitudes and perceived risks of secondary-school students in Bangui.
  6. Analyze sexual behaviors and networks of male and female students.
  9. Assess the prevalence of HIV and syphilis among secondary-school students in Bangui.
  12. Identify factors associated with reported having had STD among the students.

Keywords: Adolescent Health, Needs Assessment

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
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.