Exploring The Intersection Between Culture, Risky Sexual Behaviour And Hiv/Aids Among Young Women In Southeastern Nigeria

Abstract

This study examines the intersection between culture, risky sexual behaviour and HIV/AIDS among young women in Southeastern Nigeria. Information was obtained from 700 young women with mean age 19.1 years through semi-structured questionnaire. Findings reveal existence of premarital sexual activities that are largely unprotected through condom with the sexually-active having their first sexual debut at an average of 16.7 years. The author argues that the fossilized belief that sex is preserve of the married and the concomitant label of persons with sex-related objects as sexual perverts inhibit reproductive health-seeking behaviour, with consequences for exposure to HIV/AIDS. The finding is puzzling amidst numerous HIV/AIDS Awareness Campaigns, and therefore recommendation is made for an appropriate and indigenous medium to disseminate information about HIV/AIDS.

Keywords: Awareness, Contraceptives, Culture, HIV/AIDS, Motivation, Sex.

African Journal for the Psychological Study of Social Issues Vol. 11 (1&2) 2008: pp. 74-91