AIDS-related knowledge, attitude, and behavior among adolescents in Zambia.
This paper presents the results of focus group discussions with three groups of adolescents: eighth grade boys, seventh grade girls, and female adolescent sex workers who are not in school. We asked participants to discuss topics such as the use of contraceptives, traditional methods to prevent HIV infection, sexual abuse by family members, and the use of health services. The results indicate that sexuality in youth in Zambia is often combined with ignorance, poverty, misinformation, secrecy, inexperience, myths, traditions, peer pressure, adventurousness, and experimentation. Therefore, any effective HIV/AIDS intervention strategies would need to address these stumbling blocks.
Mukuka
Lawrence
L
Social Development Studies, School of Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia.
Slonim-Nevo
Vered
V
D000163:Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome; D000293:Adolescent; D000294:Adolescent Behavior; D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D015024:Zambia