Back to Annual Meeting Page		American Public Health Association 133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition December 10-14, 2005 Philadelphia, PA

Abstract #117399

Anthony M. Sallar, PhD; MBA, School of Health Sciences, Ohio University, Grover Center E317, Athens, OH 45701-2979, 740-593-0528, sallar@ohio.edu

Background Research on HIV/AIDS in sub Saharan African adolescents has been limited to students. There is limited information on out of school adolescents. This study sought to determine HIV knowledge and predictors of condom use in out of school adolescents resident in Ketu South constituency in Ghana.

Methods A cross-sectional survey examined demographic characteristics, self-reported sexual behaviors, self efficacy, condom use and HIV knowledge in a sample aged 11- 19. The knowledge module was a 40 item score which sought information on transmission and prevention.

Results Respondents HIV mean score was 28, (sd 7.2). Of the 209 respondents (mean age 16.9, sd 1.8 ) 55.5% were females, 44% resident in rural areas, 45% employed, 57.4% ever had sexual intercourse of which 41% have never used a condom. Condoms were used for preventions of pregnancy (79%), HIV (12%), and STD (9%). Logistic regression analysis was used to determine significant predictors of condom use: discussing HIV with friends and acquaintances (p = 0.012); age (p = 0.018); being unemployed (p = 0.003); self efficacy (p = 0.008); older age of sexual debut (p = 0.041); knowledge of chlamydia (p = 0.009); discussing HIV with sexual partner (p = 0.022); and not believing that somebody can cure HIV (p = 0.010).

Conclusion Condoms reduce the risk of HIV transmission however, their limited use in this population has rather been for pregnancy prevention. Prevention messages should go beyond knowledge, stress communication with partners, enhancing self efficacy skills and promoting delayed age of sexual intercourse.

Learning Objectives:

• 1. Participants will assess the challenges of conducting research of adolescents who are not in school
• 2. Recognize the unique and special needs of hard to reach adolescents in AIDS prevention efforts

Keywords: Adolescents, International, Sexual 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.