Predictors of Consistent Condom Use among Secondary School Male Students in Mbonge Subdivision of Rural Cameroon
Issue:
Volume 1, Issue 4, September 2013
Pages:
165-174
Received:
30 July 2013
Accepted:
Published:
20 August 2013
Abstract: Correct and consistent condom use during sexual intercourse remains the most effective protection against sexual transmission of the human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immune deficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) for sexually active young adults, who are hardest hit by the HIV/AIDS pandemic. This study uses data from secondary school male students in Mbonge subdivision of rural Cameroon, to determine the most significant predictors of consistent condom use, using the main components of the Health Belief Model (HBM). A disproportional, stratified simple random sampling technique was used to obtain a representative sample of 210 male respondents. A cross-sectional correlational design was adopted, collecting data using a self-administered questionnaire. Data were analyzed using the statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) version 20 software program. Majority of the respondents, 65.8% reported having ever had sex, of whom only 30.5% reported using condoms consistently. Multinomial logistic regression analysis based on the HBM components showed that perceived susceptibility to HIV/AIDS (p=0.007; Pseudo R-square=0.223); perceived severity of HIV/AIDS (p=0.000; Pseudo R-square=0.382); perceived benefit of condom use (p=0.005; Pseudo R-square=0.144); perceived condom use self-efficacy (p=0.006; Pseudo R-square=0.223) and socio-demographic variables (p=0.012; Pseudo R-square=0.534), were the most significant predictors of consistent condom use at the level p<0.05. The findings suggest that AIDS education programs to increase condom use for males in rural Cameroon should emphasize these five components of the HBM concurrently. HIV/AIDS education messages that focus on barriers to condom use as a means of inducing and maintaining consistent condom use may be counterproductive.
Abstract: Correct and consistent condom use during sexual intercourse remains the most effective protection against sexual transmission of the human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immune deficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) for sexually active young adults, who are hardest hit by the HIV/AIDS pandemic. This study uses data from secondary school male students in M...
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Magnitude and Factors Associated with Malnutrition in Children 6-59 Months of Age in Pastoral Community of Dollo Ado District, Somali Region, Ethiopia
Solomon Demissie,
Amare Worku
Issue:
Volume 1, Issue 4, September 2013
Pages:
175-183
Received:
7 August 2013
Accepted:
Published:
30 August 2013
Abstract: Background: Malnutrition at the early stages of life can lower child resistance to infections, increase child morbidity and mortality, and decrease mental development and cognitive achievement. Adequate nutrition is the keystone of survival, health and development not only of current generations but also of the ones to come. Child malnutrition is a major public health problem in Ethiopia. Objectives: To assess the magnitude and factors associated with malnutrition of children 6 to 59 months of age in Dollo Ado district, Somali region. Methods: A community based, cross-sectional study was conducted on 541 mother-child pairs of 6-59 month old children in December 2012. Anthropometric measurements of height and weight of 541 study children were taken with physical examination to identify the severe form of malnutrition and the socio-demographic characteristics of the subjects were collected using a questionnaire. Both anthropometric and non anthropometric data were entered using Epi-Info version 3.5.2. The data were analyzed using SPSS Version 16.0. Both bivariate and multivariate analysis (logistic regression model) was used to identify the determinants of child malnutrition. Results: Result of the study revealed that the overall prevalence of malnutrition in the community was high with 42.3% of the children being wasted, 34.4% for stunting and 47.7% for underweight. All three forms of malnutrition (wasting, stunting and underweight) was more prevalent among boys than girls with a statistically significant of P<0.031. Prevalence of wasting was higher among young children while stunting and underweight were more likely to be observed in older children. Regression analysis shows that the significant determinants of malnutrition were gender and age of child, marital status, maternal education, monthly HH income, decision making, having of livestock, presence of ARI, total number of children ever born, health status during pregnancy, pre-lactation practice, mode of feeding, access to clean water and type of floor in the households. Conclusions: The prevalence of child malnutrition among the under five children was high, indicating that the nutrition situation in study area is very critical. Thus, malnutrition is a major public health problem. Further in-depth studies should also be encouraged to look for improved interventions.
Abstract: Background: Malnutrition at the early stages of life can lower child resistance to infections, increase child morbidity and mortality, and decrease mental development and cognitive achievement. Adequate nutrition is the keystone of survival, health and development not only of current generations but also of the ones to come. Child malnutrition is a...
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Sexual and Reproductive Health Problems and Service Needs of University Students in South East Ethiopia: Exploratory Qualitative Study
Tesfaye Setegn Mengistu,
Abulie Takele Melku
Issue:
Volume 1, Issue 4, September 2013
Pages:
184-188
Received:
10 August 2013
Accepted:
Published:
20 September 2013
Abstract: In developing countries, youths have been disproportionately affected by reproductive health problems due to their risky behaviors. Reproductive health problems have been prominent in areas where large youth population found. Therefore, this exploratory qualitative study has assessed sexual and reproductive health problems and service needs of university students. In this study, majority of students don’t have adequate awareness on sexual and reproductive health risks and have exhibited high risk reproductive health behaviors. Although, there are immense and diversified sexual and reproductive health problems, health care services utilization was negligible. Lack of information about available health services and absence of specific services that meet the needs of youth were the major reported reasons for low sexual and reproductive health service utilization. Therefore, comprehensive sexual and reproductive health services giving emphasis to peer education, IEC and/or BCC trainings, establishing SRH/HIV/AIDS resource center and making the university clinic youth friendly are recommended interventions.
Abstract: In developing countries, youths have been disproportionately affected by reproductive health problems due to their risky behaviors. Reproductive health problems have been prominent in areas where large youth population found. Therefore, this exploratory qualitative study has assessed sexual and reproductive health problems and service needs of univ...
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