Risky behavior among youth in Iran

Risky behavior among youth in Iran

F. Hejazi, F. Ramezani Tehrani, M. Rostami Dovom, Sh. Djalalinia

NRCRH, Deputy of Research & Technology, MOHME, Tehran, Iran

Objectives: 1/7 milliard of Population world are 10–24 youth. Half

of all new HIV infections occur among 15–24 years old and one out of two young

people start smoking. These health problems could be prevented or significantly

reduced through effective school health and youth health programme. We

considered a survey for finding the attitude and practice of youth regardly

high-risk behaviours.

Materials and methods: Our study was a descriptive cross-sectional one

which was conducted in 3 cities of Iran, Islamshahr city, Saravan city and

Astara port. Sample was chosen among 15–25 y.o unmarried boys and girls which

choosed through systematic random sampling and data collection was performed by

self-questionnaire.

Results: AIDs was the most common known STDs. About 1/3 of subjects

didn’t know any signs and symptoms of STDs. About 10–30% of subjects didn’t

know any kind of AIDs trasmission ways. About 2/3 of subjects knew about HIV

transmission through sexual contact with infected person or injection by a used

needle. About 1/3 of subject didn’t know that a healthy looking person could

be infected with HIV. About 1/4 of subjects have misconception about AIDs

transmission pattern. Burning on urination was the most common known symptoms of

STDs among subjects. Almost all of the subjects was agree with community

orientation about STDs/AIDs and their prevention methods. About 80% of subjects

knew the condom. 40% of subject knew the preventive effect of condom in STDs/AIDs

transmission. The main reason for not using the condom was losing sexual

pleasure. 50–80% of subjects were agreed with making friendly relationship

between girls and boys, 10–30% subjects were about agreed with having

sometimes sexual relationship with their opposite sex friends.

Conclusion: 37% of the population in Iran (26 million) are 10–24

youths. In regard to high risk behaviour in youth and incomplete information

about STDs/AIDs, it is priority to consider appropriate reproductive health

programme for them.

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