1. Straight Talk Foundation (STF), Uganda
WEAD0202
Richard Imakit
Straight Talk Foundation (STF), Uganda
“The Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) needs and experiences of Youth Living With HIV In Uganda"

2. Background The 1994 ICPD marked: Rights-based approach to SRH,
Focus: individual needs, aspirations and rights
SRH needs of YLHIV are often overlooked

3. Addressing SRH for YLHIV is fundamental
SRH of YLHIV is a neglected area
Research and programming
Represents a priority on 2015 post-MDG agenda.
STF investigated the dynamics underpinning SRH for YLHIV in Uganda.

4. Methods A cross sectional study design Among YLHIV who lived:
an urban setting (Kampala)
or a rural or post war (Gulu)
Systematic sampling within peer networks
A sequential exploratory approach

5. Methods… Semi-Structured interviews
Key informants- Counselors & Medical staffs
Voice recorders were used
Data was transcribed and exported to Nvivo v10.
Consent was sought from the young people.

6. Results YLHIV were sexually active
Sex was there before we were born, its part of us, we can’t abstain forever
YLHIV were sexually active
Relationships with Sero-discordant partners
Unplanned sexual encounters
Challenging & inconsistent Negotiation4safe sex
Disclosure
Use of contraceptives
ART-Health facilities
No SRH services

7. Results… Public HIV-related stigma & discrimination
Social isolation,
Reduces social support networks
Poor self-esteem
Risky Sexual Behaviors
In adequate SRH information
Fuelling myths and misconceptions

8. Results… YLHIV faced cultural taboos Sexual immorality
Inhibiting discussion of safer sex,
Contraception use

9. Social vulnerability of YLHIV to SRH threats
Complex information needs
-Community myths & misconceptions
-Cultural taboos
-Individual information needs
Psychosocial needs during sexual development
-Stigma
-Discrimination
-Challenges of sexual development
-Poor social support
-Peer pressure
Inability to negotiate safer sex and relationships
-Non disclosure
-Poor negotiation skills
-Un planned sexual encounters
-Gender inequality
-Poverty

10. Conclusion Social vulnerability of YLHIV to SRH threats
Complex and Multifaceted
To address:
-Need a holistic approach that addresses the broader social environment
-Evolving capacity of YLHIV needs to be recognized and they require guidance and not instructions
-Age appropriate information
-YLHIV need to be treated as individuals rather than a homogenous group

11. Recommendations
Interventions need to address the social determinants of SRH
Programmes need to be flexible and responsive to the diverse and dynamic needs of YLHIV
Counseling services need to help YLHIV to develop communication and negotiation skills for:
Safer sex Disclosure & Condom use
Contraceptive use
SRH services need to be open, confidential, fun and integrated

12. THANK YOU