Risk factors associated with adolescent pregnancy: An exploratory study

This study examined the relationship between protective factors, risk factors and adolescent pregnancy among a sample of 121 South African teenagers and young adults. Data was collected using Burl's Parent Authority Questionnaire (Burl, 1991) Rosenberg Self-Esteem scale (Rosenberg, 1965), Rotter's Locus of Control (Rotter, 1966), and Hurlbert Index of Sexual Assertiveness scale (Davis, Yarber, Bauserman, Schreer, & Davis, 1998). The data were analysed descriptively. The results indicated a significant relationship between internal protective factors and prevention of early parenthood. Copyright ©2011 Journal of Psychology in Africa

An intervention study examining the effects of condom wrapper graphics and scent on condom use in the Botswana Defence Force

Free condoms provided by the government are often not used by Botswana Defence Force (BDF) personnel due to a perceived unpleasant scent and unattractive wrapper. Formative work with the BDF found that scented condoms and military inspired (camouflage) wrapper graphics were appealing to personnel. A non-randomized intervention study was implemented to determine if condom wrapper graphics and scent improved condom use in the BDF. Four military sites were selected for participation. Two sites in the south received the intervention condom wrapped in a generic wrapper and two sites in the north received the intervention condom wrapped in a military inspired wrapper; intervention condoms were either scented or unscented. 211 male soldiers who ever had sex, aged 18–30 years, and stationed at one of the selected sites consented to participate. Sexual activity and condom use were measured pre- and post-intervention using sexual behavior diaries. A condom use rate (CUR; frequency of protected sex divided by total frequency of sex) was computed for each participant. Mean CURs significantly increased over time (85.7% baseline vs. 94.5% post-intervention). Adjusted odds of condom use over time were higher among participants who received the intervention condom packaged in the military wrapper compared with the generic wrapper. Adjusted odds of condom use were also higher for participants who reported using scented versus unscented condoms. Providing scented condoms and condoms packaged in a miltiary inspired wrapper may help increase condom use and reduce HIV infection among military personnel