245572 Perceptions of Sexuality Amongst Evangelical Pentecostal Nigerian University Students

Tuesday, November 1, 2011: 9:10 AM

Lindsay Briggs, PhD, MPH , Department of Health & Community Services, California State University, Chico, Chico, CA
Michael Reece, PhD , Dept of Applied Health Science, Indiana University-Bloomington, Bloomington, IN
Kathleen Gilbert, PhD , School of Health, Physical Education & Recreation, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN
Brian Dodge, PhD , Center for Sexual Health Promotion, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN
Samuel Obeng, PhD , African Studies Department, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN
BACKGROUND: HIV continues to be a priority sexual and public health issue in Sub-Saharan African. Although significant progress has been made in preventing HIV infection, HIV incidence rates in Africa remain high. The most widely cited prevention program in Africa has been the “Abstain, Be Faithful, Use Condoms” (ABC) HIV prevention method. In order to reduce HIV rates more effectively we first must understand how sexual behaviors that may contribute to HIV infection are understood and accepted in social and cultural contexts. Furthermore, though a “one-size-fits-all” approach has traditionally been utilized, investigating these perceptions of sexuality amongst specific segments of the population may help influence tailored interventions that achieve better results.

METHODS: This study utilized a mixed-methods design. The first stage of research included an ethnographic study conducted at a private Evangelical Pentecostal University in Southern Nigeria. The resulting data from this stage was used to design a quantitative survey that was administered to students at the University in order to provide a descriptive summary of students' perceptions.

RESULTS: Both the ethnographic data and survey data provided insights into a community that has been understudied. Results from this study include: conflicts between personal beliefs and attitudes and religious doctrine, desire for increased access to sexuality education, and refined insights of the definitions and contextual meanings of various sexuality topics.

CONCLUSIONS: Further research must be done to understand the conflicting views between personal beliefs and attitudes and religious doctrine, and the impact this may have on personal sexual behaviors.

Learning Areas:
Administer health education strategies, interventions and programs
Diversity and culture
Planning of health education strategies, interventions, and programs
Public health or related research
Social and behavioral sciences

Learning Objectives:
By the end of this presentation, participants will be able to: 1. Describe the perceptions of Nigerian Evangelical Pentecostal towards various aspects of sexuality. 2. Discuss the ways these perceptions may influence HIV prevention efforts in Southern Nigeria.

Keywords: HIV/AIDS, Sex

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: This is my dissertation work and I have been appropriately trained.
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.

See more of: Stigma, Education & HIV/AIDS
See more of: HIV/AIDS