| Abstract: | A structured questionnaire in English and Afrikaans was administered to 1471 randomly selected secondary school students from Katima Mulilo, Ondangwa, Windhoek, and Keetmanshoop educational regions of Namibia in a study to determine their cognitive, attitudinal, and behavioral risks which could promote HIV infection. The students were aged 13-28 years (mean age, 18 years). Approximately half were in grades 8, 9, and 10, while the remainder were in grades 11 and 12, and 47.8% of the students were male. 50% of the students were unaware of AIDS, 42% thought that some people were immune to AIDS, 48% reported that they would be rejected by their peers if they refused to have premarital sex, 47% indicated that mistrust was communicated when one used or suggested the use of a condom during sexual intercourse, and 50% believed that alcohol facilitates communication with peers of the opposite sex. The study found differences in the expression of AIDS-related risks due to age, sex, and region. Significantly more boys than girls and more students from Northern than from Central and Southern regions thought that mistrust was communicated by condom use and sexual intercourse made one popular, proved sexual maturity, showed commitment to and maintained love relationships. The theoretical and practical implications of these findings are discussed. |
