Assessing the Impacts of HIV/AIDS Programmes on Sexual Health among the Youths of Obiyebe Community in Ogba/Ebgema/Ndoni Local Government Area of Rivers State

Abstract

This study assessed the impacts of HIV/AIDS programmes on sexual health among youths of Obiyebe community in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGA of Rivers State. The purpose of the study was to identify HIV/AIDS programmes on sexual health, to assess the knowledge of HIV/AIDS programmes on sexual health among the youths and to examine the impacts of HIV/AIDS programmes on sexual health among youths. The study adopted a descriptive survey study design with a sample size of 83 participants which are selected through a simple random sampling technique. A structured questionnaire was used as the instrument for data collection, while a frequency table and simple percentage were used as the instrument for data analysis. The findings of the study revealed that HIV/AIDS programmes on sexual health are; HIV/AIDS testing programmes, HIV/AIDS treatment programmes, HIV/AIDS prevention programmes, and  United Nations Programmes on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS). Another finding of the study showed that sexuality, condoms, sexual anatomy and sex, and adolescence sexual features and puberty are the knowledge of sexual health among the youths that enhance their good sexual health and prevention of HIV/AIDS. Again the study revealed that the impacts of HIV/AIDS programmes on the sexual health of the youths were that their understanding of sexuality is increased, they understand the importance of using condoms if sexually active, there is a reduction in unwanted teenage pregnancies, they are informed of their normal sexual features development, puberty, reproductive anatomy and physiology, they are informed of the option to delay sexual activity until they are ready (matured), and there is a reduction of new HIV/AIDS/ other STI infections. The study made some recommendations and suggestions.