Alarming ignorance about Safe Sex, HIV/AIDS and Reproductive Health awareness among young men: A Survey of Huruma Estate, Eldoret, Kenya

Abstract

Health education to promote awareness about safe sex, the human immunodeficiency virus and reproductive health is vital in communities most vulnerable to sexually transmitted diseases. The cross-sectional survey conducted between July and September, 2009 in Huruma Estate in Eldoret, Kenya determined the awareness of 290 young men aged 10-24yrs, about sexual, HIV and reproductive health. Questionnaires were issued to participants of the study and Chi-square was used for data analysis. Results showed that statistically significant (p<0.05) number of single, cohabiting and/or married young men (59%) across the 15-24-year age bracket, engaged in sex with steady or unsteady partners but rarely or never used condoms in the process. The proportion of married men who never used condoms consistently was 22%, while 41% of those who had sex in the past six months prior to the study period had engaged in sex with multiple partners. The proportions of young men who had had their first sexual encounter within 15-20 yrs and 20-24 yrs of age were 46% and 95%, respectively.  Only 18% and 42% of those aged 15-19 yrs and 20-24 yrs, who had already engaged in sex by the time the study was carried out had been tested for HIV, because they considered themselves protected from sexually transmitted diseases and from impregnating their sexual partners. Hence significant proportions (p< 0.05) of sexually mature young men, including those aged 13 yrs and below engaged in unprotected sex, despite the fact that they knew about the dangers of HIV/AIDS, other sexually transmitted diseases and unwanted pregnancies. Persistent advocacy for improved awareness of reproductive health matters, protected sex against diseases and pregnancy are urgently required by young men, regardless of their age or marital status.