Kalunde W K
University of Zambia, Demography Division, Lusaka, Zambia.
Health Transit Rev. 1997;7 Suppl 3:91-5.
This study was carried out in selected urban areas in Zambia; its objective was to examine the sexual networking and activities of urban youth in Zambia: specifically to determine how sexual behaviour among young people might influence the course of the AIDS epidemic and also to suggest policy interventions. Sexual behaviour among young people both in-school and out-of-school, aged between 12 and 25, may be vital in influencing the spread of AIDS in Zambia. The results indicate that sexual matters are discussed with close friends of the same sex and peer group, or with cousins who are of the same age. Sometimes grandmothers are consulted for advice by co-resident grand-daughters. Girls and boys engaged in sex or thought about engaging in sex at quite an early age. Girls discussed their intentions about sex with their close friends, many of whom appeared poorly informed about sex themselves. The general views of both sexes about STDs should be a source of concern. The youth do not seem to take STDs seriously basically because most of them, aside from AIDS, are curable. Many young people do not regard AIDS as a threat to their lives and do not even consider it as a hindrance to sexual relationships. A number of recommendations are made for information and education of young people, parents and teachers.
