Explain how peer pressure influence the spread of HIV/AIDs in Ghana ?
Answers
Explanation:
Little is known about the influences of peers on the sexual activity of adolescents in sub-Saharan Africa. Better understanding of these issues could lead to more effective interventions promoting sexual and reproductive health. Using two waves survey data from adolescents (n=1275) in two towns in southeastern Ghana, we examined age, gender, and community differences in peer group characteristics. We also examine prospective associations between peer group characteristics and self-reported sexual initiation, multiple partnerships, and lack of consistent condom use with most recent partner over a 20-month follow-up period. Gender differences in peer context variables were small. Affiliation with antisocial peers and perceived peer norms favoring sex increased the odds of transition to first sex. Having more friends increased the odds of accruing multiple new sexual partners among younger respondents. Among males, perceived peer norms favoring sex increased the odds of accruing multiple partners. No peer context variables were significantly associated with condom use with most recent partner.
Peer pressure has influenced the spread of HIV in Ghana as a result of multiple partners and peer norms.
- According to a survey in 2015, in which around 1200 adolescents participated, the prospective relations between peer group characteristics and various partnerships were understood.
- The incidence of HIV was found to be highest between the age group 15 - 25. Along with this various other STI's were also found to be prevalent among the youth.
- Having more friends increased the chances of gaining multiple new sexual partners among younger respondents, which increased the spread of disease.
- Among males, the chances of acquiring multiple partners were increased by perceived peer norms favouring intercourse. The usage of precautionary methods was also observed to be little