STI/HIV and AIDS: A multiple prevention strategy

The authors: Lt. Col.(retired) Dr. John Okoth is senior lecturer of nursing and Head of Nursing Department; Dr. Gordon Nguka is lecturer in the Department of Nutritional Sciences and Head of Department; Dr. SO. Odebero is senior lecturer of planning and economics of Education. They all teach at the Masinde Muliro University in Kenya

Earlier sex and later marriage increase the likelihood that sexual activity will begin outside marriage with early premarital sex tending to be unprotected. Education and guidance from parents concerning sexual matters generally is minimal. Home education consists mainly of warnings and restrictions while school education is confined to the biology of reproduction ignoring gender and sexuality, contraception and the situations or conflicts which adolescents face. Girls receive no guidance or education about how to control situations, which may lead to sex, or how to say no. Boys are not taught to respect girls not to have sex. Adolescent girls are reluctant to expose themselves as sexually active. They tend to avoid using health services for contraception or treatment of STI. Adolescents tend to believe that they are invincible. "It can't happen to me" is the first reaction of youths who contract a STI. Their naivity is reinforced by lack of correct information concerning the risks and consequences of STI. This book provides skills, information, tools and services to protect the youth from HIV infection.