Perception of susceptibility to the negative outcomes associated with unprotected sex among University of Venda students

The purpose of this study was to determine the perception of University of Venda students on their susceptibility to the negative outcomes associated with unprotected sex. This cross sectional study involved 408 [206 females and 202 males] University of Venda students residing within the university campus. Simple and systematic sampling methods were used to select participants. A 4-likert scaled self-administered questionnaire was used for data collection and a cut-off point of 75% of the total scores was used as criteria for assessing perception. Majority [90.90%] of the participants understood the magnitude and problems posed by HIV and other sexually transmitted infection in the society, 94.60% believe that anyone can be infected with HIV or fall pregnant when exposed to unprotected sex. Majority [87.30%] believed that alcohol consumption while engaging in sexual activities increases the chances of being infected with HIV, other STI or falling pregnant, 92.40% believed that having multiple sexual partnerships increases the risk of being infected with HIV and other sexually transmitted infections. Eighty six percent of participants agreed or strongly agreed that pregnancy could occur with one sexual intercourse in a month and only 68.45% of the participants believed that practising oral sex could expose them to HIV infection [with no significant difference between male and female]. Majority of the students showed high perception regarding their susceptibility to the negative outcomes associated with unprotected sex, especially when they consume alcohol while engaging in sexual activities and when having multiple sexual partnerships. Contrastingly, the students demonstrated low perception regarding susceptibility to HIV transmission through the practice of oral sex. There is a need to create awareness on the dangers posed by the practise of oral sex

Elevated blood pressure among rural South African children in Thohoyandou, South Africa

Whilst there seem to be available data on blood pressure profiles of South African children, especially in urban areas, few data exist on rural children. The aims of this study were to determine the blood pressure profiles of rural South African children residing in Thohoyandou; and to examine the relationship between body mass index and blood pressure among the children. The study involved 296 [134 boys and 135 girls] children aged 7-13 years. Body weight and height were measured using standard procedures. Overweight was defined by body mass index [BMI] for gender and age. Blood pressure was monitored in each child thrice using validated electronic devices [Omron 7051T]. Hypertension was determined as the average of three separate blood pressure readings where the systolic or diastolic blood pressure was >/= 90th percentile for age and sex. Overweight among the girls [4.7%] was higher compared with the boys [3.9%]. Both systolic and diastolic pressures [SBP and DBP] increase with age in both sexes. The proportion of children with > 90th percentile occur at only ages 12 and 13 years. The incidence of hypertension [SBP > 90th percentile] was 0.4% and 0.2% in boys and girls, respectively. The SBP and DBP pressures significantly [P<0.05] correlate with age; body mass, height and BMI. Elevated blood pressure is prevalent among rural South African children residing in this region. Also, blood pressure increased with age in both boys and girls, and this positively correlated with age, body weight, height and BMI