Attribution Patterns, Attitude and Knowledge of HIV/AIDS on Sexual Behavioural Change Among Students of Covenant University, Ota, Nigeria

Sexual behavioural change is central to HIV/AIDS control programme. This study was carried out among students (n = 603; average age = 18.9) of Covenant University, Nigeria. The study was designed to examine the impact of attribution patterns, attitude and knowledge of HIV/AIDS on sexual behavioural change. Three hypotheses were raised. Regression analysis, analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Pearson’s r were used to analyze the data. The results show that attribution patterns and attitude towards HIV did not influence sexual behavioural change. In effect, knowledge of HIV was the best predictor of sexual behavioural change of respondents. The study also revealed that there was a significant effect of gender on sexual behavioural change of respondents while there was no significant effect of age. Another result shows that there was a strong correlation between perceived benefits and all the other variables. Fourteen percent (14%) of the respondents are sexually active, 520 or 86% indicated they are not sexually active. Eighty-nine percent (89%) of the respondents do not know of anyone who is HIV positive or died from AIDS while 11% knows someone who is HIV positive or had died from AIDS related complications. This study shows that young people using the perceived benefits variable in the Health Belief Model (HBM) coupled with adequate knowledge of HIV knowledge have the power and ability to change their risky sexual behaviour. Key words: Attribution patterns, Attitude, Knowledge, HIV/AIDS, Students, Young people, Perceived benefits and Sexual behavioural change

“Disabled people are sexual citizens too”: supporting sexual identity, well-being, and safety for disabled young people

Disabled young people are sexual beings, and deserve equal rights and opportunities to have control over, choices about and access to their sexuality, sexual expression and fulfilling relationships throughout their lives. This is critical to their overall physical, emotional and social health and wellbeing. However, societal misconceptions of disabled bodies being non-normative, Other or deviant has somewhat shaped how the sexuality of disabled people has been constructed as problematic under the public gaze. The pervasive belief that disabled people are asexual creates barriers to sexual citizenship for disabled young people, causing them to have lower levels of sexual knowledge and inadequate sex education compared to their non-disabled peers. As a consequence they are more vulnerable to ‘bad sex’ - relationships which are considered to be exploitative and disempowering in different ways. Access to good sex and relationships education (SRE) for disabled young people is, therefore, not only important for them to learn about sexual rights, sexual identity and sexual expression, but also about how to ensure their sexual safety. In so doing it will contribute to the empowerment and societal recognition of disabled people as sexual beings, and also help them resist and report sexual violence. Therefore, it is critical that parents, educationalists and health and social care professionals are aware and appropriately equipped with knowledge and resources to formally educate disabled young people about sexuality and wellbeing on par to their non-disabled peers

A systematic review of current knowledge of HIV epidemiology and of sexual behaviour in Nepal

OBJECTIVE: To systematically review information on HIV epidemiology and on sexual behaviour in Nepal with a view to identifying gaps in current knowledge. METHODS: Systematic review covering electronic databases, web-based information, personal contact with experts and hand searching of key journals. RESULTS: HIV-1 seroprevalence has been rising rapidly in association with high-risk behaviours, with current levels of 40% amongst the nation's injecting drug users and approaching 20% amongst Kathmandu's female commercial sex workers (FCSWs). HIV seroprevalence remains low in the general population (0.29% of 15–49 year olds). There are significant methodological limitations in many of the seroprevalence studies identified, and these estimates need to be treated with caution. There are extensive migration patterns both within the country and internationally which provide the potential for considerable sexual networking. However, studies of sexual behaviour have focused on FCSWs and the extent of sexual networks within the general population is largely unknown. CONCLUSIONS: Whilst some of the ingredients are present for an explosive HIV epidemic in Nepal, crucial knowledge on sexual behaviour in the general population is missing. Research on sexual networking is urgently required to guide HIV control in Nepal. There is also a need for further good-quality epidemiological studies of HIV seroprevalence

Sexually transmitted infection testing and self-reported diagnoses among a community sample of men who have sex with men, in Scotland

Introduction To examine sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing and self-reported diagnoses among men who have sex with men (MSM), in Scotland. Methods Cross-sectional survey of seven Glasgow gay bars in July 2010 (n=822, 62% response rate); 693 are included in the analyses. Results 81.8% reported ever having had an STI test; 37.4% had tested in the previous 6 months; 13.2% reported having an STI in the previous 12 months. The adjusted odds of having ever tested were significantly higher for men who had 6+ sexual partners in the previous 12 months (adjusted OR=2.66), a maximum sexual health knowledge score (2.23), and had talked to an outreach worker/participated in counselling (1.96), and lower for men reporting any high-risk unprotected anal intercourse (UAI) in the previous 12 months (0.51). Adjusted odds of recent testing were higher for men who had 6+ sexual partners (2.10), talked to an outreach worker/participated in counselling (1.66), maximum sexual health knowledge (1.59), and higher condom use knowledge (1.04), and lower for men aged ≥25 years (0.46). Adjusted odds of having had an STI in the previous 12 months were higher for men who had 6+ sexual partners (3.96) and any high-risk UAI in the previous 12 months (2.24) and lower for men aged ≥25 years (0.57). Conclusions STI testing rates were relatively high, yet still below the minimum recommended for MSM at high risk. Consideration should be given to initiating recall systems for men who test positive for STIs, and to developing behavioural interventions which seek to address STI transmission

Condoms and Contradictions: Assessing Sexual Health Knowledge in Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, and Queer Youth Labelled with Intellectual Disabilities

Background: Accessible, culturally relevant data collection tools to assess the sexual health knowledge of lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer and questioning (LGBTQ) young people labelled with intellectual disabilities are sparse. Materials and Methods: Using community-based participatory research (CBPR) we piloted a variety of interactive activities designed to assess the sexual health knowledge and decision making skills of LGBTQ young people with intellectual disabilities. Results: Posters created by youth participants suggested substantial sexual health knowledge and empowerment, while individual knowledge assessment scores indicated a range in understanding of risks and strategies to avoid pregnancy, HIV and herpes. Conclusions: These findings reinforce the importance of using multiple strategies to assess sexual knowledge with this population. Creative evaluation strategies catering to the cultural specificities, sexual experiences, and cognitive abilities of diverse youth help to clarify gaps in knowledge and areas for renewed attention

Risky Behaviours Among Young People Living with HIV Attending Care and Treatment Clinics in Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania: Implications for Prevention with a Positive Approach.

Introduction: Prevention with a positive approach has been advocated as one of the main strategies to reduce new instances of HIV infection. Risky sexual behaviours among people living with HIV/AIDS are the cornerstone for this approach. Understanding the extent to which infected individuals practice risky behaviours is fundamental in designing appropriate population-specific interventions. With the HIV infection transmission rates remaining high among young people in sub-Saharan Africa, continued prevention among them remains a priority. This study therefore seeks to describe the magnitude and determinants of risky sexual behaviours among young people living with HIV. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted between June and July 2010 in selected Care and Treatment Clinics (CTCs) in Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania. A total of 282 HIV-positive patients aged 15-24 were interviewed about their sexual behaviours using a questionnaire. Results: Prevalence of unprotected sex was 40.0% among young males and 37.5% among young females (p<0.001). Multiple sexual partnerships were reported by 10.6% of males and 15.9% of females (p<0.005). More than 50% of the participants did not know about the HIV status of their sexual partners. A large proportion of participants had minimal knowledge of transmission (46.7% males vs. 60.4% females) and prevention (65.3% males vs. 73.4% females) of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Independent predictors of condom use included non-use of alcohol [adjusted odds ratio (AOR), 0.40 95% confidence interval (CI); 0.17-0.84] and younger age (15-19 years) (AOR, 2.76, 95% CI: 1.05-7.27). Being on antiretroviral therapy (AOR, 0.38, 95% CI: 0.17-0.85) and not knowing partners' HIV sero-status (AOR, 2.62, 95% CI: 1.14-5.10) predicted the practice of multiple sexual partnership. Conclusions: Unprotected sex and multiple sexual partnerships were prevalent among young people living with HIV. Less knowledge on STI and lack of HIV disclosure increased the vulnerability and risk for HIV transmission among young people. Specific intervention measures addressing alcohol consumption, risky sexual behaviours, and STI transmission and prevention knowledge should be integrated in the routine HIV/AIDS care and treatment offered to this age group

HUBUNGAN ANTARA PENGETAHUAN KESEHATAN REPRODUKSI DAN KETAATAN BERAGAMA DENGAN SIKAP TERHADAP HUBUNGAN SEKS PRANIKAH (STUDI PADA SISWA KELAS II SMAN 1 SEMARANG) CORRELATION BETWEEN KNOWLEDGE OF REPRODUCTION HEALTH, RELIGIOUSNESS OBEDIENCE AND ATTITUDE TO PREMARITAL SEXUAL INTERCOURSE (STUDY ON THE SECOND GRADE STUDENTS OF SMAN 1 SEMARANG)

Kesehatan reproduksi remaja saat ini sudah menjadi isu global. Jumlah remaja yang besar dan secara seksual tergolong aktif, namun mempunyai pengetahuan kesehatan reproduksi yang relatif rendah sehingga kurang mendukung terciptanya remaja berkualitas. Selain itu aspek moral atau agama sangat diperlukan sebagai kontrol perilaku remaja khususnya yang berkaitan dengan hubungan seks pranikah. Tujuan penelitian ini untuk mengetahui hubungan pengetahuan kesehatan reproduksi dan ketaatan beragama dengan sikap terhadap hubungan seks pranikah. Penelitian ini bersifat explanatory research dengan pendekatan cross sectional. Sampel yang digunakan adalah siswa kelas II SMAN 1 Semarang sebanyak 79 orang yang diambil secara simple random sampling. Hasil penelitian diperoleh 68,4% responden berumur 16 tahun dan 83,5% memeluk agama islam. Tingkat pengetahuan kesehatan reproduksi responden 63,2% termasuk kategori cukup. Ketaatan beragama responden 78,5% termasuk kategori cukup. Sikap responden terhadap hubungan seks pranikah 51,8% termasuk kategori cukup. Hasil uji statistik dengan korelasi Rank Spearman antara variabel pengetahuan kesehatan reproduksi dengan variabel sikap terhadap hubungan seks pranikah diperoleh nilai r=0,425 dan p-value=0,000. Sedangkan untuk variabel ketaatan beragama dengan variabel sikap terhadap hubungan seks pranikah diperoleh nilai r=0,451 dan p-value=0,000. Secara statistik ada hubungan antara pengetahuan kesehatan reproduksi dan ketaatan beragama dengan sikap terhadap hubungan seks pranikah. Kesimpulan penelitian ini adalah ada hubungan antara pengetahuan kesehatan reproduksi dan ketaatan beragama dengan sikap terhadap hubungan seks pranikah. Disarankan kepada (1) pihak sekolah untuk memberikan informasi kesehatan reproduksi melalui pendekatan pengetahuan dan moral atau agama, (2) kepada BKKBN untuk membentuk kelompok remaja/siswa Peduli Kesehatan Reproduksi Remaja sebagai motivator dalam memasyarakatkan kesehatan reproduksi remaja di sekolah. Health of adolescent has become global issue this time. The great amount of adolescent and they pertained as sexually active, but relatively lack of knowledge about reproduction health so that less of supporting the creation of adolescent behavioral control specially related to premarital intercourse. The purpose of this research is to know the correlation between knowledge of reproduction health, religiousness obedience and attitude of premarital sexual intercourse. This research is explanatory research with approach of cross sectional study. Sample used in this research is 79 students of SMAN 1 Semarang at second grade taken by simple random sampling. Result of this research obtained by 68,4% responder`s are 16 years old anf 83,5% are moslem. The level of responder`s knowledge of reproduction health 63,2% are included to enough category. Responder`s religiousness obedience 78,5% are included to enough category. Responder`s attitude of premarital sexual intercourse 51,8% are included to enough category. Result of statistical test with correlation of Rank Spearman between knowledge of reproduction health variable and attitude of premarital sexual intercourse variable obtained value 0f r = 0,425 and p-value = 0,000. Meanwhile for the variable of religiousness obedience and attitude of premarital sexual intercourse variable obtained value of r = 0,451 and p-value =0,000. Statistically, there is correlation between knowledge of reproduction health and religiousness obedience and attitude of premarital sexual intercourse. The conclusion of this research is there is correlation between knowledge of reproduction health and religiousness obedience and attitude of premarital sexual intercourse. Suggested to (1) school party, that they need to give information about health reproduction through moral and knowledge or religion approach, (2) BKKBN to form a group of adolescent /students Care of Adolescent Reproduction Health as motivator in socializing health of adolescent reproduction at school. Kata Kunci: :Kesehatan reproduksi, ketaatan beragama, hubungan seks pranikah. Reproduction health , religiousness obedience, premarital sexual intercourse

“Me Too”: Epistemic Injustice and the Struggle for Recognition

Congdon (2017), Giladi (2018), and McConkey (2004) challenge feminist epistemologists and recognition theorists to come together to analyze epistemic injustice. I take up this challenge by highlighting the failure of recognition in cases of testimonial and hermeneutical injustice experienced by victims of sexual harassment and sexual assault. I offer the #MeToo movement as a case study to demonstrate how the process of mutual recognition makes visible and helps overcome the epistemic injustice suffered by victims of sexual harassment and sexual assault. I argue that in declaring “me too,” the epistemic subject emerges in the context of a polyphonic symphony of victims claiming their status as agents who are able to make sense of their own social experiences and able to convey their knowledge to others