Aspects clinico-neurophysiologiques des troubles du sommeil dans une population d'adultes jeunes entre 18-35 ans / Clinical-neurophysiological aspects of sleep disorders in a population of young adults aged 18-35 years

Contexte et objectifs : L'accès aux tests neurophysiologiques pour le diagnostic des Troubles du Sommeil (TS) est très limité dans les pays d'Afrique subsaharienne. La présente étude avait pour objectif de déterminer les caractéristiques épidémiologiques, cliniques et neurophysiologiques des (TS) dans un groupe de jeunes adultes. Méthodes : Il s'est agi d'une étude descriptive d'une série de cas, réalisée au centre de Médecine du sommeil et des maladies respiratoires de l'hôpital de la Croix-Rousse de Lyon du 1er janvier au 31 mars 2019. Les patients hospitalisés pendant cette période pour l'exploration d'un (TS) ont été sélectionnés. Etaient éligibles ceux dont l'âge était compris entre 18 et 35 ans, des deux sexes, ayant renseigné un questionnaire et ayant bénéficié au minimum d'une polysomnographie (PSG). Résultats : Quatre-vingt-onze patients étaient examinés. Les femmes étaient les plus affectées (59,3 %). Leur âge moyen était de 26,6 ± 5 ans. La PSG a incriminé le Syndrome d'Apnée Hypopnée Obstructive du sommeil (SAHOS) comme étiologie principale (66 %). Pour les patients sans SAHOS, 38,7 % avaient une PSG normale et la PSG avec d'autres tests de sommeil ont objectivé, pour le reste (61,3 %), d'autres types de (TS). La dépression (50,7 %) et la fatigue chronique (84,6 %) étaient très fréquentes. L'indice d'efficacité du sommeil était faible pour 70 % des patients avec SAHOS. Il y avait un déséquilibre de la durée des stades du sommeil, augmentée pour le sommeil lent léger et diminuée pour le sommeil lent profond dans la population avec SAHOS, tandis que la durée du sommeil paradoxal chez ceux sans SAHOS était augmentée. Conclusion Le SAHOS est fréquent dans cette formation hospitalière, avec des répercussions significatives à type de dépression et de fatigue chronique. Il est important que des mesures rendant accessible l'usage des tests d'exploration du sommeil particulièrement en Afrique au sud du Sahara, soient mises en place pour diagnostiquer ces troubles

Context and objective. Access to neurophysiological tests for diagnostic of sleep disorders (SD) is very limited in Sub-Saharan Africa countries. The objective was to determine the epidemiological, clinical and neurophysiological characteristics of SD in a young adult group. Methods. This was a descriptive serial cases study carried out at the Sleep Medicine and Respiratory Diseases Center of the CroixRousse hospital of Lyon between January 1st and March 31th, 2019. Patients hospitalized during this period with tests for SD were selected. Eligible were those aged between 18 and 35 years, both sexes, who completed a questionnaire and who received at least a polysomnography (PSG). Results. Ninety-one patients were involved. Women remained the most affected (59.3%). Mean age was 26.6±5 years. PSG incriminated obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) syndrome as the primary etiology (66%). For patients without OSA, 38.7% had normal PSG. For the remaining 61.3% of patients, other types of SD were found using PSG with various sleep tests. Depression (50.7%) was an important comorbidity, and chronic fatigue (84.6%) was the most frequent complaint. Sleep efficiency index was low for 70% of sleep apnea patients. There was an imbalance in the duration of sleep stages, with an increase in light slow-wave sleep in the OSA population and a decrease in their deep slow-wave sleep, while REM sleep duration in patients without OSA was increased. Conclusion: OSA was the primary etiology in our study, with significant repercussions like depression and chronic fatigue. Public health measures such as increasing access to the use of sleep exploration tests, especially in subSaharan Africa, should be put in place for the diagnosis of these sleep disorders and their consequences

Thrombus intraventriculaire gauche chez un jeune patient atteint de COVID-19 / Left intraventricular thrombus in a young patient with COVID-19

La COVID-19 est associée à un état d'hypercoagulabilité. L'incidence du thrombus intraventriculaire gauche est relativement faible en absence d'une cardiopathie hypokinétique sévère avec altération de la fraction d'éjection. Nous rapportant le cas d'un homme de 37 ans infecté par le SARS-CoV-2 présentant un thrombus intraventriculaire gauche en absence de cardiopathie connue. Le décès était survenu suiteà un arrêt cardiaque.

Effect of intermittent fasting on cardiovascular parameters of young adult offspring of hypertensive parents

Background: Offspring of hypertensive parents have been reported to have alteration on their sympathovagal balance and have exaggerated response to stressful conditions. Many Christians observe a period of fasting at the beginning of every year, which imposes some stress on their bodies. Objective: This study aims to investigate the effect of 21-day intermittent fasting on some cardiovascular parameters in offspring of hypertensive and normotensive parents. Materials and Methods: Eighty young adults (20­28 years) were divided into equal number of male and female offspring of hypertensive and normotensive parents based on questionnaire. Their body weight, height, waist circumference (WC), body mass index (BMI), systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), and heart rate (HR) were recorded 1 week before the fasting period began and then weekly for 3 weeks, in which they fasted. Results: The weight, BMI, and WC reduced during fasting, but the reductions were not significant (P > 0.05). The SBP and DBP were higher in male offspring of hypertensive parents than all other groups. SBP was also significantly (P < 0.05) higher in males than females before fast and during fast. Fasting significantly reduced the SBP in the male offspring of both hypertensive and normotensive parents. The HR reduced in the females during fast but increased from a lower level in males to a value not significantly different from prefasting level. Conclusion: Fasting reduces the high SBP and DBP in male offspring of hypertensive parents, which is beneficial to their cardiovascular system.

Contraceptive acceptability and associated factors among young women (15-24) living with HIV/AIDS: a hospital-based study in Kampala, Uganda

introduction: In Uganda, over 43% of all pregnancies among young women (15-24 years) living with HIV are either unwanted or mistimed. Unintended pregnancies account for 21.3% of neonatal HIV infections. The objective was to determine acceptability of contraceptives and associated factors among young women living with HIV attending HIV clinics in Kampala. Methods: Between February and May 2019, 450 young women attending public HIV clinics (Kisenyi HC IV, Kiswa HC III and Komamboga HC III) in Kampala were systematically enrolled in a cross-sectional study and interviewed using structured questionnaires. We used modified Poisson regression to determine the factors associated with acceptability of contraceptive. Data were analyzed using STATA 13.0. Statistical significance was determined at a P values < 0.05. Results: Contraceptive acceptability was 40.7% (95% CI: 27.6%-53.6%). Older age group (20-24 years) (aPR; 2.42, 95%CI; 1.06-5.52, P = 0.035), age at sex debut ≥ 18 years (aPR;1.25,95%CI; 1.13-1.38, P<0.001), having friend on contraceptives (aPR; 1.90, 95%CI; 1.10 - 3.26; P =0.021) and being married (aPR; 1.20, 95%CI; 1.09 - 1.32, P<0.001) were significantly associated with acceptability of contraceptives. Conclusion: There is a low acceptability for contraceptives. Younger age group who are not yet married need to be targeted

Sexual coercion at sexual debut and associated factors among young females in rural areas of Boset District, Eastern Ethiopia: a mixed method study

Objectives: Assess the prevalence and associated factors of sexual coercion at sexual debut among young females in rural areas of Boset district, Oromia Region, Eastern Ethiopia. Methods: Cross-sectional community-based study design was conducted using both qualitative and quantitative data collection methods. A sample of 632 young females aged 10-24 years was taken from six rural Kebeles by systematic random sampling for quantitative and data were collected using a pre-tested structured questionnaire. The collected data was analyzed using SPSS version 23. Principally Binary Logistic regression model was fitted. Moreover, eight focus group discussions targeting different groups were held and analyzed thematically. Results: The prevalence of sexual coercion at sexual debut was 36.5% (95%CI: 34.6%- 38.4%) among sexually active respondents. Married young female (AOR, 0.71; 95%CI: 0.42, 0.81), living away from their parents (AOR, 5.07; 95%CI: 1.07,24.01), age group of 15- 19 years (AOR, 0.19; 95%CI: 0. 06, 0.54), alcohol consumption (AOR, 2.44; 95%CI: 1.17, 5.08) and Khat chewing (AOR, 8.30; 95%CI: 1.89, 36.38) were factors predicting the likelihood of having sexual coercion at sexual debut. Conclusion: Sexual coercion at sexual debut is a major public health problem among young females in the study community. The emerging program interventions need to take this problem into consideration

'Gift with a price tag': Nigerian egg donors' knowledge, experiences and motivations

Research around the world has indicated that the demand for egg donation has grown considerably among young females. This study qualitatively examines the knowledge, experiences, and motivations of young egg donors at a Nigerian health facility. Indepth interviews were conducted in Igbo and English with consenting thirty-one egg donors attending a fertility clinic in Anambra State, south-eastern Nigeria. Data were collected and analysed to generate themes with the aid of NVivo 10 software. Three themes were identified from the participants' motivations and include (a) monetary (93.6%), (b) altruistic (3.2%), and (c) both monetary and altruistic reasons (3.2%). Findings highlighted that the differences were based on a variety of reasons in Nigeria. All the participants were literate and single, and the majority received payment. The majority (77.4%) of those who received payment mentioned that the payment was not worth the donation program. The participants preferred to be anonymous because they had not discussed their donation with their family members, and the non-acceptance of egg donation program by the Nigerian society. Given that the market for egg donation has become a common method of infertility management in Nigeria, our findings have important implications for practices, policy actions, and future research. (Afr J Reprod Health 2022; 26[6]:64-79).

Facteurs de risque et étiologies des AVC de l'adulte jeune au CHU de Bogodogo à Ouagadougou / Risk factors and etiologies of stroke in young adults in Bogodogo university hospital, Ouagadougou

Introduction: Les accidents vasculaires cérébraux (AVC) sont des pathologies graves survenant le plus souvent chez le sujet âgé. Le but de ce travail était d'étudier les facteurs de risque et les étiologies de l'AVC de l'adulte jeune. Patients et méthodes : Il s'est agi d'une étude transversale et rétrospective incluant tous les sujets d'âge compris entre 15 et 45 ans, hospitalisés pour AVC dans le service de neurologie du CHU de Bogodogo entre le 1er Avril 2017 et le 31 Mars 2019 et ayant un dossier complet. Résultats : Quarante-quatre cas d'AVC concernaient les sujets jeunes, soit 8,46% de l'ensemble des AVC. On notait 59,1% d'AVC ischémique et 40,9% d'AVC hémorragique. L'âge moyen était de37,45± 5,94 ans. Le sex-ratio était 2,14. La sédentarité (72,22%), l'HTA (59,09%) et le diabète (25%) étaient les principaux facteurs de risque. L'étiologie a été retrouvée chez 77,27% des patients. Il s'agissait principalement de l'athérosclérose et les cardiopathies emboligènes pour l'AVC ischémique et de l'HTA pour l'AVC hémorragique. Conclusion: Les AVC du sujet jeune sont relativement peu fréquents au CHU de Bogodogo. Une prévention des facteurs de risque vasculaire permettrait d'éviter une augmentation de leur fréquence

Introduction: Stroke is a common and serious disease occurring most often in the elderly. The aim if our study was to describe risk factors and causes of stroke in young adults. Patients and methods: This were a retrospective study including patients whose age was between 15 and 45 years, hospitalized in the neurology department of the Bogodogo University Hospital for stroke between April 1, 2017, and March 31, 2019. Results: Forty-four stroke cases involved young adults, it represented 8.46% of total stroke. Among those cases, 59,1% was ischemic stroke and 40,9% was hemorrhagic stroke. The Mean age was37,45± 5,94 years. The sex-ratio was 2,14. Physical inactivity (72,22%), high blood pressure (59,09%) and diabetes (25%) were the main risk factors. etiologies were found in 77,27% of cases. They were dominated by atherosclerosis and cardio embolism in ischemic stroke, and by high blood pressure in hemorrhagic stroke. Conclusion: Stroke in young adults at Bogodogo University Hospital is relatively infrequent. Prevention of risk factors would prevent an increase in its frequency

Comparative assessment of young people's psychosocial, economic state and reproductive health needs between total and partial lockdown states of Nigeria

Introduction: In Nigeria, adolescents and young adults, age 10-24 years constitute 32% of the entire population. They are particularly vulnerable when disasters occur, such as in the current pandemic. Existing events and circumstances including the various pandemic-related movement restrictions (lock-down) influences behavioural attitudes and predisposes to risky sexual behaviours.Methodology: This is a comparative cross-sectional study conducted between a total lockdown (Osun) state and partial lockdown (Oyo) state in South-Western Nigeria. A convenience sampling technique was adopted using a self-administered closed-ended questionnaire designed using Google form and data were then analysed using SPSS version 22. Bivariate analysis and Logistic regression were performed with the level of significance set at p < 0.05. Results: A higher proportion of those in Osun (total lockdown) state have their needs extremely difficult to meet during the pandemic period compared to Oyo (partial lockdown) had their needs only a little difficult to meet. Different factors were found to influence the social, economic effect and reproductive health needs but age and educational level attained were found to be common factors that affected young people needs during the lockdown period. Conclusion: Access to contraceptive drastically reduced during this pandemic, especially among those under total lockdown, this may consequently lead to the increase incidence of unwanted pregnancies among the youths, which if not well managed could lead to unsafe abortion and invariably, death. As new COVID-19 cases continue to emerge, staying at home for prolonged periods of time can pose a significant challenge on the health of young people.

Knowledge, attitude and preventive practices of sexually transmitted infections among unmarried youths in an urban community in Lagos State, Nigeria

Background: Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are of public health importance as over 1 million STIs are acquired daily worldwide. One-third of the new cases of curable STIs affect younger persons aged less than 25 years. Sexually transmitted infections can lead to severe complications beyond the immediate impact of infections as such. Aim: This study assessed knowledge of, attitude towards and preventive practices of STI among young unmarried persons in Surulere local government area (LGA) of Lagos State, Nigeria. Setting: The study was conducted among young unmarried persons in Surulere LGA, Lagos State, Nigeria, between June and November 2018. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 450 young unmarried persons selected using a multistage sampling technique. An interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to obtain data. Analysis was carried out with Epi-Info 7.2.2.2 software. Chi-square was used to test for associations. Level of significance was at p ≤ 0.05. Results: The mean age was 19.9 + 2.5 years. Majority of the respondents (84.7%) had heard of STIs. About two-third (65.6%) had good knowledge, while majority (98.6%) had good attitude towards the prevention of STIs, but less than half (34.0%) had good preventive practices. Knowledge of STI was statistically significantly associated with age, level of education, attitude and preventive practices of the respondents. Conclusion: Most of the respondents were aware and had good attitude towards prevention of STI, but gaps exist in knowledge and preventive practices. Hence, targeted education to improve the knowledge and preventive practices against STI among young unmarried persons is recommended

Quantitative and qualitative analysis of relative saliva viscosity among carious and non-carious young adults

Objective: To determine relative saliva viscosity (RSV) among carious and non-carious young adult Nigerians. Methods: Participants included in this study were young adults of both sexes aged 11-40 years recruited and categorized as non-carious individuals as those with Decayed, Missing and Filled Teeth (DMFT) of 0 and carious individual as those with DMFT of ≥1. The collection of unstimulated saliva samples was done using disposable cups and aspirated into 10 mls syringe. RSV was determined by allowing saliva to flow through a 10 mls syringe and measuring the rate of flow from 2 mls to 0 mls. The timing was done by means of a stopwatch and recorded in seconds. The plunger of the disposable syringe is carefully removed to allow the saliva to flow through the adaptor without the needle. The start off for the flow is usually above 2 mls but timing start off timing is at 2 mls as a precautionary measure. This is a simple and accurate model for measuring the viscousity of liquid (Figure 1). Statistical tests used in this study were independent t-test and one-way ANOVA. Statistical significance was at P <0.05. Results: The participants in this study were between 17 and 40 years with a mean age of 27.81±6.56 years. The overall mean relative saliva viscosity among the participants was 1.93±0.26. The mean relative saliva viscosity was 2.39±0.65 among participants aged 31-40years old. Female participants had mean relative saliva viscosity of 2.09±0.40. Participants with dental caries had mean relative saliva viscosity of 2.41±0.44. Conclusion: Relative saliva viscosity measured with a 10 disposable syringe was found to be higher in participants with dental caries than those without. Strategies to prevent dental caries should include efforts to increase the viscosity of saliva. Salivary viscosity of 1.16-1.66 P oise (P) (which is the CGS unit of viscosity) signifies oral cavity without dental caries. The SI Unit of viscosity is pascal second (Pa s). Ten poise equal one pascal second making the centipoise (cP) and millipascal second (mPa s) identical. Further studies on salivary viscosity and severity of dental caries is recommended

The effect of chewing stick use on oral hygiene and gingival health of young adults in Nigeria

Objective: The maintenance of good oral hygiene contributes to gingiva health. Several items have been used for mechanical removal of plague, examples of which are the chewing stick and toothbrush. The objective of this study was to assess the effect of using chewing stick to maintain gingival health. Methods: A randomised, single blind, (clinical investigator) experimental study was conducted among 40 persons (20 chewing stick group and 20 toothbrush and toothpaste group). Data was collected through the use of interviewer-administered questionnaire and clinical examination. Evaluation of the effect on gingival health were done 3weeks and 6weeks after the baseline treatment (Scaling and polishing and oral hygiene instruction with emphasis on the use of toothbrush or chewing stick depending on which group . Results: The mean age of participants in the study was 21.58±2.43years. Participants in chewing stick group had significantly higher oral hygiene score than toothbrush group at 3 weeks post intervention only (P=0.03). The chewing stick group and toothbrush group did not have any significant difference in mean gingival index score at both 3 weeks and 6weeks post intervention stages. Conclusion: Chewing stick use resulted in poorer oral hygiene in the initial assessment but improved at second assessment. Chewing stick use resulted in lower non-significant positive effect on gingival health in comparison with toothbrush/toothpaste use. Dentists in resource poor economy should not discourage the use of chewing stick but rather educate users on the proper use of it, since it is cost effective

Clients and service providers' assessment of Public and Non-Governmental Youth-Friendly Health Services in Lagos Nigeria: a mixed method approach

Background: The World Health Organization prescribed that Youth-Friendly health services must be accessible, acceptable, equitable, efficient, effective, comprehensive and appropriate to meet the health needs of young people. Objective: To compare the clients' and service providers' assessment of services offered at the public and Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) Youth Friendly facilities (YFF) in Lagos Nigeria. Methods: A mixed method approach was used. Structured questionnaires were administered on youths (294 from public and 273 from NGO YFF) from ten (5 public and 5 NGO) YFF. Ten key informant interviews with service providers were also conducted between March 1st and December 31st 2014. SPSS version 22 was used to analyze quantitative data while thematic analysis of interviews with service providers was done. Results: Youths who utilized the public YFF had 60% chance (AOR 1.6, 95%CI 1.3 ­ 2.5, p= 0.005) of experiencing longer waiting times, 80% chance (AOR 1.8, 95%CI 1.2 ­ 2.8, p=0.004) of being counseled in a separate room and over two-fold chance (AOR 2.3, 95%CI 1.7 ­ 3.3, p <0.001) of having free services. Sexual and reproductive health was the major complaint area of the youths while funding was the major challenge of service providers at both the public and NGO YFF. Conclusion: To address the needs of the youths, there is a need to provide more funds and provide necessary logistics required by YFF

HIV prevalence in young people and children living on the streets, Kenya

Objective To obtain an estimate of the size of, and human immunodeficiency (HIV) prevalence among, young people and children living on the streets of Eldoret, Kenya. Methods We counted young people and children using a point-in-time approach, ensuring we reached our target population by engaging relevant community leaders during the planning of the study. We acquired point-in-time count data over a period of 1 week betweethe hours of 08:00 and 23:00, from both a stationary site and by mobile teams. Participants provided demographic data and a finger print(to avoid double-counting) and were encouraged to speak with an HIV counsellor and undergo HIV testing. We used a logistic regression (model to test for an association between age or sex and uptake of HIV testing and seropositivity. Findings Of the 1419 eligible participants counted, 1049 (73.9%) were male with a median age of 18 years. Of the 1029 who spoke with a counsellor, 1004 individuals accepted HIV counselling and 947 agreed to undergo an HIV test. Combining those who were already aware of their HIV-positive status with those who were tested during our study resulted in an overall HIV seroprevalence of 4.1%. The seroprevalence was 2.7% (19/698) for males and 8.9% (23/259) for females. We observed an increase in seroprevalence with increasing age for both sexes, but of much greater magnitude for females. Conclusion By counting young people and children living on the streets and offering them HIV counselling and testing, we could obtain population-based estimates of HIV prevalence

Prevalence, pattern and determinants of dating violence among young persons in Benin City, Edo State

Background: Dating violence (DV) and its negative effects are a present public health issue of concern. The study was carried out to evaluate the prevalence, pattern and determinants of DV among young persons in Benin City. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in Benin City, Edo State among young persons aged 15-24years. Two-stage sampling technique was used to select the respondents. The data was obtained from a pre-tested self-administered questionnaire adapted from WHO multi-country survey on domestic violence. Data was analysed using IBM SPSS version 22.0. The level of significance was p < 0.05. Results: A total of 750 respondents with mean age 20.65 ± 2.01 years participated in the study. The lifetime and one-year prevalence of DV was 396 (52.3%) and 354 (47.2%), respectively. A higher proportion of respondents suffered psychological violence with the lifetime and one-year prevalence of 339 (45.2%) and 294 (39.2%), respectively. Significant determinants of DV were age (p = 0.009), aggressive behavior (p = 0.005) and risky sexual behavior (p = 0.001). Conclusion: The prevalence of DV was high among the respondents. Preventive DV interventions such as health education and peer counselling for this age group is advocated

Knowledge and awareness of HIV/AIDS and its socio-demographic determinants among undergraduates in a Southern Nigeria University

Background: Globally, young people are at increased risk of the infection from human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). This study aims to assess the knowledge of HIV/AIDS and its sociodemographic determinants among university undergraduate students. Methods: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study of 296 full-time undergraduates of the University of Benin using semistructured self-administered questionnaires. Results: The male to female ratio was 1.5:1. The modal age group was 20-24 years (55.7%). Respondents reported multiple sources of information, with television as the major source of information (72.9%). Almost all (98.0%) of the respondents were aware of HIV/AIDS while 65.5% knew their HIV status. The majority (91.9%) of the respondents knew that a virus causes HIV/AIDS and 97.3% had correct knowledge of the modes of transmission of HIV/AIDS. Correct knowledge of HIV/AIDS prevention and cure was reported by 88.5% and 62.5% of the respondent, respectively. The overall mean knowledge score is 8.1. There was no statistically significant difference in the self-knowledge of respondent's HIV status among young people aged less than 25 years compared with those 25 years and above (OR: 2.24, 95% CI: 0.02-16.02, p 0.683) and sex (OR: 0.98, 95% CI: 0.58-1.65, p 0.006). Conclusion: This study revealed an overall good knowledge of HIV/AIDS among university undergraduates. However, there were some knowledge gaps in the self-knowledge of HIV status as well as the cause and modes of transmission of HIV which may potentially influence risky behaviours. There should be sustained efforts by all stakeholders on HIV education and testing at various ecological levels

'They tell you about the risks': exploring sources of sexuality education among very young adolescents in rural Mpumalanga

Background. Early adolescence (ages 10 - 14) is a crucial stage of development. The importance of early intervention in improving adolescent sexual and reproductive health (SRH) is increasingly acknowledged. Yet, school-based sexuality education largely focuses on older adolescents, leaving very young adolescents to contend with conflicting information from different sources. This study responds to the need for contextually nuanced research with very young adolescents, which can inform policy and programmes aimed at improving their SRH outcomes. Objectives. To explore very young adolescents' sources of SRH knowledge and investigate the implications of both formal school-based sexuality education and informal sources of information for their SRH rights. Methods. This research was conducted with schoolgoing adolescents (aged 10 - 14) from the Gert Sibande district in rural Mpumalanga. Data were collected qualitatively using individual interviews and group-based participatory workshops, all conducted with the same participants. Transcribed data were analysed using thematic analysis. Results. Findings indicate that while formal transfer of SRH information takes place through school-based sexuality education, learners' sexual knowledge is also shaped by informal sources, including household observations and sexual play. We identify three themes that cut across sources of SRH knowledge and position young adolescents in contradictory ways: prohibitive messaging, the notion of childhood innocence and everyday sexual learning. Conclusion. Recommendations are made for comprehensive sexuality education that is responsive to this age group's needs, draws on their everyday lived experiences and optimises the opportunities offered by foregrounding agency, while remaining cognisant of structural constraints

Teenage pregnancy in South Africa: Where are the young men involved?

Background. The level of unintended pregnancies among teenage girls in South Africa (SA) has remained a public health concern. However, studies and interventions generally do not consider young men's involvement in teenage pregnancies. Objective. To investigate the sociodemographic and sexual behaviour characteristics of young men who have impregnated at least one teenage girl. Methods. The study used data from the Centre for Justice and Crime Prevention (2009), which included responses from young men (aged 12 - 22 years) across all SA provinces. Univariate and bivariate analyses and binary logistic regression were performed. Results. The results showed that 93.2% of the sample had ≥2 lifetime sexual partners, 22.4% rarely used condoms and 11.5% had never used condoms. Teenage pregnancy incidence was ≥35% in all provinces except Gauteng and the Western Cape. The likelihood of being involved in a teenage pregnancy was higher among respondents who reported having ≥2 lifetime sexual partners (odds ratio (OR) 2.510; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.43 - 14.77). Respondents with a higher education were less likely to be involved in a teenage pregnancy (OR 0.819; 95% CI 0.36 - 1.84) than those with a lower education (OR 1.219; 95% CI 0.59 - 2.50). Conclusion. Engaging in multiple sexual partnerships could increase the vulnerability of young people to sexually transmitted infections or teenage pregnancies. Initiatives to create awareness among SA youth regarding the consequences of sexual behaviour are recommended, with a specific focus on addressing young men's involvement in teenage pregnancy

Pathways to school completion for young mothers: are we winning the fight?

Background. Policy initiatives in South Africa are directed at promoting the educational and developmental outcomes of girls and young women (age 15 - 24 years). These include decreasing the incidence of HIV infection, teenage pregnancy and gender-based violence, and increasing school attendance and economic empowerment. This article explores the contexts of pregnancy, motherhood and schooling in a sample of young mothers in an urban area in Johannesburg, South Africa. Methods. This ethnographic study, based in a poor urban area in Johannesburg, South Africa, recruited 30 young mothers aged 18 - 20 years with whom open-ended interviews were conducted. Each mother was contacted 3 months after the first interview, and again 3 months later. In addition to the first round of 30 interviews, 9 young mothers were interviewed in the second round, and 6 young mothers in a third round. A total of 45 interviews were conducted. Results. The findings illustrate how young mothers mediate constraints and challenges to continue and complete their schooling when confronted with a mistimed and unintended pregnancy. A combination of factors converges to facilitate or impede school continuation and completion. Key barriers include school policy and discrimination against pregnant learners, limited options for childcare, and high levels of poverty and unemployment that strain existing scarce family resources. Conclusions. The pathway to school completion is complex and non-linear. Three particular interventions that support school attendance and completion for young mothers have value: the child support grant, the availability of crèches in the community, and a school policy that upholds the principle of inclusivity for pregnant learners and young mothers

Drug use among youth and adults in a population-based survey in South Africa

Objective: Illicit drug use is a growing public health problem. The aim of the study was to assess the prevalence of drug use and the sociodemographic and health characteristics that influence it among young and adult South Africans. Methods: Data based on the South African national population-based survey in 2012 for 26453 individuals (52.0% women and 48.0% men) aged 15 years and older were analysed. Past 3-month drug use was assessed with the 'Alcohol, Smoking and Substance use Involvement Screening Test (ASSIST)'. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression was conducted to assess the association between sociodemographic factors, health variables and any past 3-month drug use. Results: Overall, any past 3-month drug use was 4.4%, 7.9% among men and 1.3% among women. The proportion of past 3-month cannabis use was 4.0%, followed by sedatives or sleeping pills 0.4%, amphetamine-type stimulants 0.3%, cocaine 0.3%, opiates 0.3%, inhalants 0.2% and hallucinogens 0.1%. Among the nine South African provinces, any past 3-month drug use was the highest in the Western Cape (7.1%), followed by the Free State (6.3%) and Northern Cape (5.2%). In adjusted, multivariable, logistic regression analysis among both men and women, younger age, being mixed race and hazardous or harmful alcohol use were associated with any past 3-month drug use. In addition, having been a victim of violent crime and sexual risk behaviour among men and having psychological distress among women were associated with any past 3-month drug use. Conclusion: An increase of any past 3-month drug use from 3.7% in 2008 to 4.4% in 2012 was observed in South Africa. Prevention and intervention activities targeting drug use, in particular in identified risk groups, need to be strengthened in South Africa

Knowledge and willingness of young adult to participate in early HIV vaccine trial in Nigeria

Nigeria has the second largest HIV epidemic (3.4 million) in the world with 3.2% of her young adults infected. Knowledge and willingness of young adults to participate in early HIV vaccine trial (EHVT) are essential for future interventions. This study aimed to investigate factors influencing willingness to participate (WTP) in EHVT. A cross-sectional study was employed to fetch data from 750 young adults (18-40years) recruited by systematic random sampling between June to December 2016. An informed consent questionnaire addressing socio-demographic factors, contraceptive practices, risky behaviours, knowledge and perception of EHVT study was completed by the participants. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 20 software and p ≤ 0.05 considered significant. Up to 240 (32.0%) of 750 expressed WTP in a vaccine study. There was a significant association between the WTP with; education levels (P=0.001), knowledge about HIV vaccine trial (HVT) studies (P=0.003); a positive insight toward the study (P=0.001); and age group 18-20years (P=0.001). Unwillingness to participate was associated with concerns about fear of reverting back, side effect, fear of spouse, use of parenteral route for its administration. Up to 684 (91.2%) of 750 knew contraceptive was for childbirth control, 241 (32.1%) has never used contraceptive while 172 (23%) used it during last coitus. Refusal to use contraceptive was associated with: religion, its side effect, not married, spouse un-approval, and ignorance. There was a significant association between the WTP with: education level, knowledge about HIV vaccine trial (HVT); a positive insight toward the study; and age group 14-20 years