Analysis of coital activity, number of sexual partners, and non-use of condoms among High School students in Namibia: Implications for the ABC approach

Abstract

Understanding sexual risk behaviours is important in monitoring the effectiveness of HIV/AIDS preventive 
interventions such as the ABC (abstinence, be faithful, and use a condom) approach. This study analysed the 
sexual activity, numbers of sexual partners, and non-use of condoms among Namibian High School 
students. A randomised cross-sectional survey was carried out in 18 High Schools located in six educational 
regions (a directorate headed by a director responsible for all schools in the region). Data were collected 
from 829 students that completed a structured questionnaire. Analysis of data was done using parametric 
and non-parametric statistics. The results showed that 16.1% of students had their coital debut at 8 years of 
age. Students that were male, in rural areas, Kavango region and Kavango ethnic group, and in Grade 9 had 
significantly lower ages of coital debut. Caprivi region had highest significant proportion of students that 
were sexually active. Male gender, Herero ethnicity, HIV testing, invincibility to HIV infection, and boyfriend
girlfriend relationships were positively associated with increased sexual activity. Students that were male 
and from the Damara-Nama, Lozi, and Herero ethnic groups had significantly higher mean numbers of sexual 
partners. The mean number of times that students did not use condoms was significantly higher in urban 
areas, Caprivi region, and among students from the Herero ethnic group. Determinants of condom use were 
also revealed. The findings of this study highlight the need for disaggregated data in order to target specific 
A, B, and C messages to appropriate sub-groups of Namibian High School students who are at a higher risk 
of HIV/AIDS infection.