RESUMEN
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.
Asunto(s)
Condones/estadística & datos numéricos , Conocimientos, Actitudes y Práctica en Salud , Asunción de Riesgos , Conducta Sexual/psicología , Adolescente , Adulto , Factores de Edad , Consumo de Bebidas Alcohólicas , Cultura , Empleo , Femenino , Infecciones por VIH/etnología , Infecciones por VIH/prevención & control , Infecciones por VIH/transmisión , Encuestas Epidemiológicas , Humanos , Masculino , Namibia , Conducta Sexual/etnología , Parejas Sexuales , Factores Socioeconómicos , Adulto JovenRESUMEN
Innovative and effective options toward reducing maternal mortality rates in African nations must include the active participation of all stakeholders. This study was carried out to assess men's level of knowledge and attitude to preventing maternal deaths. In a cross-sectional, community-based survey complemented with exploratory in-depth interviews, data were collected from men from different socio-economic areas using a two-stage cluster sampling technique. Mean age of the 316 respondents was 39.9 years (range 19-66). Nearly half (47.8%) knew someone who had died at childbirth. They blamed maternal deaths on healthcare workers not being skilled enough, financial barriers, failure to use family planning, emergency, antenatal, and delivery care services. Factors associated with knowledge and attitude to preventing maternal mortality are discussed. Healthcare reforms must be coupled with socio-economic improvements and efforts made to improve men's attitudes and knowledge in such a way as to make them active stakeholders, more supportive of preventing maternal mortality.