title: Factors that influence attitudes and sexual behavior among constituency youth workers in Oshana Region, Namibia.
abstract: This survey was carried out to assess attitudes and behaviour among youth within four constituencies in Oshana region, Namibia and to understand to how certain social and cultural factors inform attitudes and influence sexual behaviour among the population of young people surveyed. Using a structured questionnaire, data were collected from a random sample of eighty young men and women between the ages of 15-30 years from four constituencies in Oshana region. Survey outcomes revealed attitudes and certain factors that are linked to sexual risk behaviour such as multiple sexual partnerships. Outcomes also reveal an influence of established socio-cultural norms on gender dynamics within relationships and a culture of reserve around discussions of sex and sexuality among young people. Stakeholder interventions should be directed towards incorporating approaches that address these factors as part of efforts to curb the incidence of HIV among young people in Namibia.
authors.affiliation: Oshana Health Regional Office, Private Bag 5538, Oshakati, Namibia. slawoyin@gmail.com
authors.forename: Olusheyi O
authors.initials: OO
authors.lastname: Lawoyin
authors.forename: Ruth M
authors.initials: RM
authors.lastname: Kanthula
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000428:Alcohol Drinking; D017280:Condoms / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D003469:Culture; D004651:Employment; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000208:ethnology / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000635:transmission; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009276:Namibia; D012309:Risk-Taking; D012725:Sexual Behavior / Q000208:ethnology / Q000523:psychology*; D012747:Sexual Partners; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D055815:Young Adult