October 23, 2007

Ugandan Youth Need More Sex Ed

Though Uganda has been heralded for its strong focus on raising awareness about HIV and AIDS, a recent study found that one in five young people in the country believe that AIDS can be cured (Allafrica.com/The New Vision, 10/21).

The study, conducted by the Population Council, an international health nonprofit, examined interviews of more than 2,100 adolescents between the ages of 10 and 19. Four in ten respondents didn’t believe that condoms could protect against sexually transmitted infections, even if they are used correctly.

The researchers also found evidence of gender biases among the youth: Nearly 60 percent of both boy and girl respondents said that women should tolerate abuse to keep the family together, and about 50 percent said that there are times when a woman deserves to be beaten.

Only 54 percent of girls and 42 percent of boys reported that they’d had conversations with their parents or guardians about growing up, sexuality and relationships.