Perception and Patronage of Aphrodisiacs among Male Students in University of Cape Coast: Implications for Counselling in Higher Educational Institutions

The high patronage of sex enhancing drugs among Ghanaian men, especially the youth is becoming, a public health and social concern. This study therefore sets out to determine the perception and access of aphrodisiac use among male students at University of Cape Coast (UCC). A descriptive survey involving 150 male students was conducted in five students’ residences on UCC campus. Data was collected using a set of questionnaire and analysed using Statistical Package for Social Scientists Version 16.  The results indicate that a large proportion of male students (24.67%) perceived aphrodisiacs as a necessity to improve one’s sex life. Premature ejaculation was perceived to be the main reason why some young men (51.33%) use sex enhancing drugs. Drug peddlers (27.34%) and pharmacies/drug stores (20%) were believed to be major sources of sex enhancing drugs. The study concluded that a substantial majority of young men are aware of the dangers associated with the use of these drugs. However, the urge to exhibit masculinity in sexual performance as perceived by many young men, drive them into the use of these drugs. Based on these findings, the study recommends, among other things, extensive public education campaign by counsellors to create awareness and provide adequate knowledge in order to correct perceptions of sexual performance and use of sex enhancing drugs

A/C study protocol: a cross-sectional study of HIV epidemiology among African, Caribbean and Black people in Ontario

INTRODUCTION: African, Caribbean and Black (ACB) communities are disproportionately infected by HIV in Ontario, Canada. They constitute only 5% of the population of Ontario yet account for 25% of new diagnoses of HIV. The aim of this study is to understand underlying factors that augment the HIV risk in ACB communities and to inform policy and practice in Ontario. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: We will conduct a cross-sectional study of first-generation and second-generation ACB adults aged 15-64 in Toronto (n=1000) and Ottawa (n=500) and collect data on sociodemographic information, sexual behaviours, substance use, blood donation, access and use of health services and HIV-related care. We will use dried blood spot testing to determine the incidence and prevalence of HIV infection among ACB people, and link participant data to administrative databases to investigate health service access and use. Factors associated with key outcomes (HIV infection, testing behaviours, knowledge about HIV transmission and acquisition, HIV vulnerability, access and use of health services) will be evaluated using generalised linear mixed models, adjusted for relevant covariates. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: This study has been reviewed and approved by the following Research Ethics Boards: Toronto Public Health, Ottawa Public Health, Laurentian University; the University of Ottawa and the University of Toronto. Our findings will be disseminated as community reports, fact sheets, digital stories, oral and poster presentations, peer-reviewed manuscripts and social medi