Nigeria: New Campaign Based on Abstinence Attitudes

ABUJA, Nigeria, May 24, 2004 — PSI and its affiliate Society for Family Health (SFH) are launching an abstinence campaign in Nigeria with the help of faith-based organizations (FBOs) and based on extensive new research examining youth attitudes toward sexuality.

Delaying teenage sexual debut has proven a powerful strategy in attempting to stem the HIV/AIDS epidemic in sub-Saharan Africa. In Nigeria, with its deep and often divisive religious roots, PSI's new initiative seeks to use faith-based ideas to bring about change in teenage behaviour.

The research conducted by PSI and SFH found that abstinence is viewed by youth as difficult to maintain and is a multi-faceted issue that must be addressed as such.

The research results will underpin PSI/SFH's major multimedia campaign on delayed sexual debut amongst teenagers which is being designed with input from local FBOs, both Muslim and Christian. PSI/SFH's Promoting Sexual and Reproductive Health for HIV/AIDS Reduction (PSRHH) program is funded by the U.S Agency for International Development (USAID) and the British Department for International Development (DFID) and aims to reduce HIV/AIDS and improve reproductive health in Nigeria.

Using FBO insights and broader statistical information from previous studies, a campaign strategy has been developed in conjunction with a local advertising agency. In Nigeria, FBOs view the promotion of abstinence and fidelity to be HIV/AIDS prevention methods that most closely follow their religious tenets. SFH/PSI plans to work with the faith-based committee to review, pre test and approve materials.

PSI/SFH conducted 30 focus groups of both sexually active and abstaining youth across Nigeria. Highlights from the study include:

• Abstaining from sex is perceived to be a desirable lifestyle, but many youth claim it is difficult in practice and see condom use as an easier option.

• Being a virgin is usually regarded as something to be proud of, especially amongst girls.

• Both boys and girls believe they are lured into sex by the opposite sex. Boys complain about girls dressing provocatively; girls complain of coercion, bullying and even rape.

• There are wide misconceptions about abstinence and it consequences. Some even think it unhealthy.

• Sexual debut is highly influenced by peer pressure. Exposure to pornography or films with mild sexual content was frequently cited as influences.

• Young people believe that love leads inevitably to sex.

• Women often find their first sexual experience unexciting and tend to regret it, but do not feel empowered to resist further sexual advances.

— Ifeoma Charles Monwuba, SFH/Nigeria

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Extensive focus group research, such as this, with youth in Nigeria revealed complex issues surrounding abstinence and sexuality. Results are being applied to a new abstinence campaign which PSI will implement with insight from faith-based organizations