Risk awareness and sexual relationships among youth in the Johannesburg area

The increase in the reported rate of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) and sexually transmitted infections among the youth of South Africa has led to a rise in awareness campaigns to combat these epidemics. If health awareness campaigns have an effect on behavioural change, one would expect the youth to abstain from sex and be involved in stable sexual relationships. This quantitative survey, conducted among a sample of 226 Johannesburg youths, was aimed at ascertaining their exposure to sex risks and their stability in sexual relationships. Data was collected by means of a questionnaire, and descriptive as well as inferential statistical analyses were computed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). The results revealed a quarter of respondents to have been engaged in risky sexual activities and males in general to be riskier and more sexually active than women. (Health SA Gesondheid : interdisciplinary research journal: 2002 7(3): 79-88