HIV-Related Behaviours and Socio-Demographic Determinants of HIV Status among Sexually Active Young People in South Africa.

Germinah Motshegwa, North-West University (Mafikeng Campus)

Background: HIV is one of the biggest health challenges in many developing countries, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. South Africa is no stranger to the high levels of the HIV infections. Even when they appear to be in better health than other age groups, young people die each year from Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) challenges. This study aimed to examine the HIV-related behaviours and socio-demographic determinants of HIV status among sexually active young people in South Africa. Methods: A binary logistic regression analysis based on data from the 2016 South Africa Demographic and Health Survey was used. Results: The results indicated that those aged 20-24 years, the young females, those whose sexual debut was at an early age and those from the Kwa-Zulu Natal province had higher odds of a positive HIV status. Conclusions: HIV related behaviours and sociodemographic factors play a huge role in the HIV prevalence of young people, especially females in South Africa; as such, there is a need to strengthen the existing interventions that seek to reduce HIV prevalence among young people.

Keywords: Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights, Children, Adolescents, and Youth

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