Unhealthy sexual practices among youth in Vhembe District, Limpopo province: A cross-sectional study

Abstract

Abstinence from sexual practice among youth not only prevents infections, HIV and AIDS, and unplanned pregnancies but also promotes healthy sexual practices and positive youth development. The study aims to explore and describe interventions to improve healthy sexual practices among youth in Vhembe district, Limpopo province. The study utilized a descriptive cross-sectional design with a sample size of 531 determined by the selected formular through probability, simple random technique. Using structured questionnaires for data collection from the participants. Validity was ensured and content and face validity. Reliability was ensured. Data was analysed using SPSS version 28.0. Ethical consideration was ensured during the study. The study results showed that 57.4% of the respondents indicated that they do not discuss their choice of contraceptive with their sexual partner, 80.6% of the respondents indicated that unplanned pregnancy can be prevented by supplying contraceptives programs at clinics and school while 83.2% of the respondents revealed that programs linked with contraceptive services can help prevent unplanned pregnancy. The study highlights the lack of contraceptive choice discussions among sexual partners, exposing them to risks of STIs, HIV and AIDS, and teen pregnancy, urging for improved healthcare access.