Abstract:
Despite widespread knowledge of the consequences of HIV/AIDS and preventive measures toavoid infection, risky sexual practices are rampant among female adolescent learners in Nkhotakota District. This study therefore investigated why female adolescent learners continue to engage in risky sexual behaviours that can lead them to not only getting unwanted pregnancies but also contracting HIV/AIDS. Qualitative data were obtained through interviews from two focus group discussions constituting female adolescents of the age group 15 – 24. This ago bracket for the students was purposively chosen because the adolescents in this age group are sexually active and also the most vulnerable. The participants were sampled from Nkhotakota Secondary School and Lozi Day Secondary School. These schools were sampled on convenience basis. The data was also supplemented by interviews with two life skills education teachers from the schools involved and also the District Youth Officer. The study was guided by the theory of Social ecological perspective and the results were discussed using qualitative approach within the interpretive paradigm.
The study found that there are a number of interventions in Nkhotakota District to effect behaviour change among female adolescents. However, following the ecological perspective there are a number of factors both interpersonal and intra-personal including environmental factors such as; socio-economic, cultural activities and practices in the district that hamper the behaviour change interventions. Therefore there is need for other strategies beyond the existing behaviour modification interventions which would enhance effective behaviour change amongst female adolescent learners in Nkhotakota.
