The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA

Abstract #50194

Annie E. Steffenson, MPH and Mollyann Brodie, PhD. Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation, 2400 Sand Hill Road, Menlo Park, CA 94025, 650-854-9400, annies@kff.org

Over four million South Africans are currently infected with HIV -- more than in any other country in the world. Predictions for the future are particularly grim -- unless infection rates decrease, around half of all 15 year-old South Africans could die of AIDS-related causes in the next five to ten years.

South African youth are not only one group that is particularly affected by this epidemic, but also a group whose behavior and attitudes could potentially alter these dire predictions. To better understand what the future might hold for South African youth, this paper will present data from the two largest-ever national surveys of South African youth including: reported sexual practices; current attitudes about sex and HIV; practices and attitudes related to condom use; attitudes about HIV risk; misconceptions about HIV transmission and cures; and the prevalence of sexual assault and coercion. The paper will also highlight findings for various subgroups within the population, such as those based on race, economic status, and sexual experience.

This paper is based on the findings from the 2000 and 2001 National Surveys of South African Youth. Results from both surveys are based on nationally representative random samples of South African youth ages 12-17 (2000 survey, n=2000; 2001 survey, n=2204). Face-to-face interviews were conducted in September 2000 and October-November 2001 in one of 10 different languages based on the respondents’ choice.

Learning Objectives:

• 1. Identify some misconceptions, attitudes and behaviors that put South African youth at risk for HIV infection.
• 2. Describe current self-reported sexual behavior among South African youth, including the percent sexually active, average age of first sexual intercourse, and prevalence of multiple partners.
• 3. Describe the current rate of self-reported condom use as well as self-identified barriers to condom use.
• 4. Recognize the role that sexual assault and coercion play in HIV transmission in South Africa.

Keywords: HIV/AIDS, Youth

Related Web page: www.kff.org

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: Kaiser Family Foundation, loveLife
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.