Abstract
The HIV/AIDS pandemic continue to spread in Sub Saharan Africa and Ghana is no exception, 2001 estimates of prevalence from sentinel centres across the country suggest between 3 to 4 percent. This study was conducted in Agogo, in the Ashanti Akim North District of Ghana. It is a qualitative descriptive study that set out to describe the youth and the environment they live in, document what safer sex and HIV/AIDS prevention information the youth have, describe what safer sex and HIV/AIDS information the youth need, and identify the factors that promote the practising of safer sex and HIV/AIDS prevention among the youth, (youth defined as aged between 15 and 24) The study collected data using Participatory Rural Appraisal Methods - focus group discussions, matrix ranking, daily activity chart and in-depth interviews. 91 discussants/respondents were involved (8 discussion groups and 20 in-depth interviews) Respondents include chemical shop attendants, opinion leaders, students, artisan, farmers and health professionals. Data analysis involved transcribing tape recording, comparing tape recording with notes, coding transcripts and analysis according to the objectives and themes. The findings indicate that demand for condoms among the youth has increased but condoms are not always used. Reason for the demand in condoms relate to knowledge that HIV/AIDS is real and has no cure and a condom can prevent its transmission. Reasons for not always using condom always relate mainly to sexual in-discipline, low self-esteem and wrong perception about who can possibly be infected with HIV. Women are at a higher risk of having unplanned sex and unprotected sex due to perceived gender domination of the male, low self-esteem and lack of parental support. The study also shows that whilst radio and television programs have played a significant role in shaping Safer Sex and HIV/AIDS prevention behaviour among the youth consistent educational is lacking. Over 40 clarification questions were asked indicating the need for feed back in education programs. Increase in face-to-face fora for the youth will clear most of the misconceptions the youth have about the HIV/AIDS. Factors that promote safer sex behaviour among the youth are: co-operation and understanding between sexual partners on the importance of using condom, accessibility of condoms to the youth, correct information on HIV/AIDS, a culture of sexual discipline among the youth, assertiveness and self confidence. HIV/AIDS prevention programs must be participatory, involve the youth and linked to promoting livelihood and positive self esteem among the youth.
