Although improved knowledge
is often the first approach in HIV prevention for adolescents, studies have
shown that despite being well informed, adolescents still engage in risky
sexual behavior (RSB). Low self-esteem has been considered to be a psychological
explanation for behavioral problems, but little is known about the impact of
self-esteem on RSB among adolescents in Nigeria.
The purpose of this study was
to determine whether adolescents with high self-esteem demonstrate lower RSB
compared to those with low self-esteem. We conducted a cross-sectional survey
of 361 adolescents in 9 secondary schools in Jos Plateau, Nigeria. The
Rosenberg Self Esteem Scale was used to measure self-esteem and the Brief HIV
Screener (BHS) was used to measure RSB. All data were analyzed using SPSS 21.
Chi square and odds ratios were calculated to determine differences in BHS
questions based on predetermined low or high self-esteem categories.
Independent t-test were utilized to determine difference in mean BHS
scores based on self-esteem categories.
Participants were 169 male (46.8%) and
192 female (53.2%) with a mean age of 16.9. Mean self-esteem score was 27.6
with no significant difference in self-esteem scores by gender. Adolescents
with low self-esteem were 1.7 times more likely to be sexually active and had a
higher mean BHS scores compared to adolescents with high self-esteem.
Programs
aimed at reducing RSB and in-turn HIV/AIDS should consider interventions to
raise adolescents’ self-esteem.
Purchase full article at: http://goo.gl/6nnh2U
By: a*, bc, b, a, d & bc
a Centre for
Clinical Care and Clinical Research, Abuja, Nigeria
b Department of
Environmental and Occupational Health, School of Community Health Sciences,
University of Nevada Las Vegas, Las Vegas, NV 89154, USA
c HealthySunrise
Foundation, Las Vegas, NV, USA
d Department of
Psychology, University of Jos, Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria
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