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American Public Health Association
133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition
December 10-14, 2005
Philadelphia, PA
APHA 2005
 
3397.0: Monday, December 12, 2005 - 8:35 PM

Abstract #102759

Adolescent sexual behavior and interest in joining abstinence clubs in Cameroon, West Africa

George Ndosak, Tih Pius Muffih, MPH, PhD, Gideon Forgwei, Joseph Nkfusai, Emmanuel Nshom, Dorothy Meyer, CNM, MPH, Edith Welty, MD, and Thomas Welty. Cameroon Baptist Convention Health Board, PO Box 9, Nso, Northwest Province, Cameroon, 928-526-0955, twelty@earthlink.net

In 2003 the Cameroon Baptist Convention Health Board (CBCHB) started the Youth Network for Abstinence in the Northwest and Southwest Provinces of Cameroon to promote behavior changes to reduce the transmission of HIV among the youth. Prior to implementing this program, the program coordinator (NG) collected baseline data in 2004 on risky adolescent sexual behavior on a convenience sample of 4389 unmarried youth in schools and churches, using an anonymous self-administered questionnaire. The respondents' ages ranged from 12 to 26 years, with 45% being in the 16-19 year old age group; 44% were male, and 87% had a secondary level of education or higher. One third (34%) reported that they had never had sexual intercourse, and 29% reported having sexual intercourse five or more times. Of respondents who had sexual intercourse, 66% had their first sexual experience at less than 17 years, the mean age of the oldest sexual partner ranged from 7 to 78 years (mean 22 years), 44% reported ever using a condom, and 52% regretted having had sexual intercourse. Of all respondents, 87% stated they would like to join an abstinence club, 10% had had an HIV test (6% of those were positive), and 82% of those not tested would like to have an HIV test. Over 5000 youth have enrolled in abstinence clubs and signed commitments to remain abstinent until marriage. CBCHB will conduct follow up surveys to monitor changes in risky sexual behavior and will offer voluntary HIV counseling and testing to youth.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant (learner) in this session will be able to

Keywords: Adolescents, International, HIV Risk Behavior

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

I wish to disclose that I have NO financial interests or other relationship with the manufactures of commercial products, suppliers of commercial services or commercial supporters.

[ Recorded presentation ] Recorded presentation

Unique Challenges for HIV/AIDS and Youth

The 133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition (December 10-14, 2005) of APHA