Perception of risk of HIV infections among adolescents’ living in an urban slum in Ghana

Eugene K. M. Darteh, University of Cape Coast
Akwasi Kumi-Kyereme, University of Cape Coast
Kofi Awusabo-Asare, University of Cape Coast

With the period of adolescence characterised by a number of biological, social, developmental, and behaviour factors, young people need to be understood in order that their needs could be met. Using the Health Belief Model, the study investigates factors influencing perception of risk of HIV among adolescents living in an urban slum in Ghana. Data was obtained from 902 adolescents aged 10-19 years living in Kwesimintsim zongo, an urban slum in the Western region of Ghana. A multi-staged sampling technique was used to select the respondents. Their perception of risk of HIV was generally low and was predicted by age, ethnicity, membership of social group and exposure to the print media. Adolescents who were exposed to the print media were 2.0 times more likely to perceive themselves to be at risk of HIV compared to those who were not. It is imperative to put in place campaigns to increase their perceived risks toward HIV.