Knowledge, attitudes, and practices of young people regarding HIV and unwanted pregnancies in Kinshasa

Despite the efforts made on education about risks linked to sexuality and the implementation of contraception provision strategies in DRC, still too many young people do not use condoms, even though they are confronted with HIV and unwanted pregnancies.

To explore knowledge and practices of young people (15-24 years) about sexuality and to identify factors associated with the use of condoms and contraception.

Qualitative descriptive study, conducted among 36 young people in three health zones (Biyela, Kalamu 2 and Selembao) in Kinshasa. Data analysis was done with Atlas.ti, a software adapted to the content analysis method.

86% of young people know the risks of unprotected sex (unwanted pregnancies and STIs such as HIV-AIDS). However, 44% have incorrect information about HIV, condoms, and other contraceptives. Condom use by young people was favored by their level of knowledge about sexuality, their perception of HIV, knowledge of a distribution point, the cost and the skills of healthcare providers.

Young people’s knowledge of sexuality is not enough to make them use condoms. Several strategies aimed at building the skills of young people, parents, healthcare providers, as well as making contraception available to young people should be combined.