AEGiS-09IAC: Orphans sexual behavior in Masaka Diocese, Uganda.

9th International AIDS Conference


Berlin, Germany — June 6-11, 1993

Print this Article


Orphans sexual behavior in Masaka Diocese, Uganda.

Int Conf AIDS 1993 Jun 6-11; 9:129 (abstract no. WS-D26-5)
Sharpe U, Ssentongo R, Ssenyonga A, Ssamula B; Mobile AIDS Home Care/Orphans Program, Kitovu Hospital, Masaka, Uganda.

ISSUES ADDRESSED: To what extent are orphans engaged in sexual activities and why? Is it possible to influence sexual behaviors in orphans? PROJECT DESCRIPTION: Uganda has many orphans due to war and AIDS. There are an estimated 161,000 orphans (children < 18 years who have lost at least one parent) in Masaka and Rakai Districts. The Mobile Home Care/Orphans program supports 5000 orphans with the aim of AIDS control by fostering sexual behavior change through discussion groups, child counseling, promotion of economic self-reliance with income generating activities (IGA), reducing illiteracy, promoting spiritual growth and solidarity.

RESULTS: By age 12, 30% of girls are sexually active rising to 85% by age 18. For boys, by age 14, 10% were active rising to 70% by age 18. First sexual experiences are characterized by pain, guilt, and both bad and good feelings which influenced later sexual experiences. Reasons for becoming sexually active include: economic need, peer pressure, discovery, rape (by strangers, relatives, teachers), and lack of parental supervision. LESSONS LEARNED: Since major reasons for sexual activity are economic need, peer pressure, and coercion, help with IGA, peer group sensitization, and education stressing sexual behavior change and negotiating skills is needed.

Keywords: AEGIS, Foster Home Care, Sexuality, Coitus, Health Behavior, Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome, Coercion, Attitude to Health, Uganda, Male, Child, Human, Female, ICA9KWDaegis,fosterhomecare,sexuality,coitus,healthbehavior,acquiredimmunodeficiencysyndrome,coercion,attitudetohealth,uganda,male,child,human,female,ica9
930606
WSD265

Copyright © 1993 - International AIDS Society (IAS). Reproduction of this abstract (other than one copy for personal reference) must be cleared through the IAS.