AIDS and young people / Jane Ferguson

.AIDS and yoUDg people by Jane Ferguson Technical Officer with WHO 's Family Health Division K f anything characterises young people, it is their energy and dynamism. This is not sur-prising as they experience the challenges inherent in the tran- sition from childhood to adulthood. However, often the societies they live in are in a state of change also - urbanisation, increased travel through migration and tourism, the spread and impact of culturally alien values through mass media, and a sharp trend away from the influence and support of the extended family toward smaller and more isolated units, especially in cities. Such factors have contributed to changes in the social and sexual behaviour of many young people throughout the world, leading to 12 increased risks of unwanted pregnancy and infection with sexually transmitted diseases including HN. WHO estimates that there are today five million people infected with HN, the virus which causes AIDS, among whom two mil- lion are under 25 years of age. Societal changes also challenge adults who are in close contact with young people, such as parents, teachers, religious figures and com- munity leaders, as they may feel at a Right: Four posters - from Uganda, Grenada, Honduras and Grenada again - with young people particularly in mind. Learning from young people about their concerns regarding AIDS. LO VE CJ IFUJY A lDS IS GUARANTEED DEATH! c!FWARE 'PAD UP"- use a cend(lm prevent liDl ~~/ DISMINUYAMOS EL RIESGO ...• • ,t~ EVITA EL SIDA COMISION NACIONAL Of fR ABAJO 'I VIGILANCIA SCffiE SIOA •OOtJDJf/A:.j: A ·~ t J ~- ,._;-['1· ~::.._;,.;:, " ,,_s_ ~- O&SPITe TH& PLeRSUile loss to provide appropriate guidance since their own youth may have been quite different. The threat of HN infection has increased their anxiety, particularly about sexual behaviour. In some countries, young people inject drugs for non-medical reasons, putting them at high risk of infection with HN if unsterilised needles and syringes are shared. The same anxiety that prevents communication about sexual behaviour may also prevent discussion that could help young people acquire the knowledge and skills to refuse drugs or change their drug-taking behaviour. While the hazards for young people's he~lth may be greater in the contemporary world, there is also a great opportunity to enlist their energy and ideas in the prevention of HN infection. Through learning how HN is transmitted and not transmitted, young people's fears can be allayed about relations with friends, family and others who may be infected with HN or suffering from AIDS. W ORLD HEALTH. October 1989 Fortunately, HN infection can be avoided - by refraining from sexual intercourse, or by remaining with a single, uninfected partner. Otherwise, the risk of infection can be significantly reduced by . the proper use of a condom every time during sexual inter- course. HN cannot be spread through casual contact - by hugging, touching, shaking hands, or sitting next to some- one infected with HN. Nor is it spread through food or water, by sharing eating and drinking utensils, by sneez- ing, coughing or by insects, in swim- ming pools or on toilets. The involvement of young people in developing approaches to learn about healthy sexuality, including its risks, is important. We know little about what young people think are healthy social and sexual practices and what they think are not. Yet these beliefs will influence their behaviour ·and their relationships and impact on their health. Eliciting from young people their own experiences and values will help to ensure that programmes for Young people in an East European city. It is vital that messages about how to prevent AIDS reach them all. young people are meaningful to them and correspond to the vast cultural differences that exist among all countries. Parents as well as health and social workers may fear that raising young people's questions about sexuality and providing information about preg- nancy, STD and HN may encourage inappropriate sexual activity, even though available evidence does not support this. Yet, they are deeply concerned about the health and welfare of young people. By encourag- ing them to trust and support their young to learn about healthy sexuality in a way that does not threaten the values of their society, they will be convinced that young people can become a real resource in the preven- tion of HN infection. • 13