SOUTH AFRICA: Significant changes in sexual behaviour - study

There have been significant changes in sexual behaviour in South Africa over the past four years, a new study has found.

According to the study, condom use among sexually active youth was high, with 57 percent of males and 46 percent of females having used a condom the last time they had sexual intercourse.

The study, commissioned by the Nelson Mandela Foundation and the Nelson Mandela Children's Fund, was conducted by the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) in collaboration with the Medical Research Council (MRC) and the Centre for AIDS Development, Research and Evaluation (CADRE).

"This is supported by high levels of perceived access to condoms ­with over 90 percent of youth and adults reporting that they could obtain a condom if they needed one," the study said.

Condoms were most likely to be obtained through the Department of Health's free condom programme from public sector clinics and hospitals.

General levels of key aspects of HIV/AIDS awareness and knowledge were high, and myths such as AIDS being cured by sex with a virgin were believed by only 1.1 percent of adults and 2.3 percent of youth.

Most respondents indicated however, that they needed more information on HIV prevention, HIV testing, HIV/AIDS care, living with HIV/AIDS, treatment, orphan care and
rights.

Mass media channels, particularly radio and television, were found to be important sources of HIV/AIDS information.

But only 44 percent of people living in rural areas watched television a few days a week or more.

The study drew on a sample of 9,963 people, and included anonymous saliva-based HIV tests from 8,840 participants. Participants also answered a comprehensive questionnaire on behaviour, communication, socio-economic and socio-cultural aspects of HIV/AIDS.

Up to 4.5 million people are living with HIV/AIDS in South Africa, the study said. In the past, information about HIV prevalence has been based on the Department of Health's annual antenatal survey. This, however, was limited by the
fact that it only sampled mostly African sexually active pregnant women, generally between the ages of 15 and 49, who attend public health facilities.

"This is the most systematic and comprehensive view yet available of how HIV/AIDS is affecting South Africans according to race, gender, age and geographic location," HSRC head, Dr Mark Orkin, said in a statement.

The full report can be downloaded from www.cadre.org.za