Abstract

Understanding sexual risk behaviours is important in monitoring the effectiveness of HIV/AIDS preventive interventions such as the ABC (abstinence, be faithful, and use a condom) approach. This study analysed the sexual activity, numbers of sexual partners, and non-use of condoms among Namibian High School students. A randomised cross-sectional survey was carried out in 18 High Schools located in six educational regions (a directorate headed by a director responsible for all schools in the region). Data were collected from 829 students that completed a structured questionnaire. Analysis of data was done using parametric and non-parametric statistics. The results showed that 16.1% of students had their coital debut at 8 years of age. Students that were male, in rural areas, Kavango region and Kavango ethnic group, and in Grade 9 had significantly lower ages of coital debut. Caprivi region had highest significant proportion of students that were sexually active. Male gender, Herero ethnicity, HIV testing, invincibility to HIV infection, and boyfriend-girlfriend relationships were positively associated with increased sexual activity. Students that were male and from the Damara-Nama, Lozi, and Herero ethnic groups had significantly higher mean numbers of sexual partners. The mean number of times that students did not use condoms was significantly higher in urban areas, Caprivi region, and among students from the Herero ethnic group. Determinants of condom use were also revealed. The findings of this study highlight the need for disaggregated data in order to target specific A, B, and C messages to appropriate sub-groups of Namibian High School students who are at a higher risk of HIV/AIDS infection.

Key words: Coitus, sexual partners, condoms, High School students, Namibia, ABC