Author/Authors :
Harris, AO University of Liberia - UL-PIRE Africa Center, An HIV/STD Prevention Research Center, Liberia , Jubwe, S Pacific Institute for Research Evaluation (PIRE) - Louisville Center, USA , Jubwe, S University of Liberia - UL-PIRE Africa Center, An HIV/STD Prevention Research Center, College of Liberal Arts - Department of Sociology Anthropology, Liberia , Kennedy, SB University of Liberia - UL-PIRE Africa Center, An HIV/STD Prevention Research Center, Liberia , Kennedy, SB Pacific Institute for Research Evaluation (PIRE) - Louisville Center, USA , Taylor, CH University of Liberia - UL-PIRE Africa Center, An HIV/STD Prevention Research Center, Liberia , Martin, RB University of Liberia - UL-PIRE Africa Center, An HIV/STD Prevention Research Center, Liberia , Bee, EM University of Liberia - UL-PIRE Africa Center, An HIV/STD Prevention Research Center, Liberia , Perry, OS University of Liberia - UL-PIRE Africa Center, An HIV/STD Prevention Research Center, Liberia , Massaquoi, MT University of Liberia - UL-PIRE Africa Center, An HIV/STD Prevention Research Center, Liberia , Woods, DV University of Liberia - UL-PIRE Africa Center, An HIV/STD Prevention Research Center, Liberia , Barbu, EM University of Liberia - UL-PIRE Africa Center, An HIV/STD Prevention Research Center, Liberia
Abstract :
Background: Youths in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) account for a large burden of the global HIV/STI crises. As such, strategies directed at promoting behavioral modifications would be critical to reducing the prevalence of risky sexual behaviors among high risk adolescents in post-conflict environments. Objectives: This study describes a condom promotion strategy to prevent HIV/STIs among highly vulnerable urban youth in a post-conflict, resource-constrained environment via the provision of both male and female condoms to nontraditional venues like music and photo shops, ice cream parlors, money exchange centers and beauty salons. Methods: Community members in the designated catchment areas volunteered their services and the use of their small businesses to support this endeavor. Results: In this paper, we describe the condom promotion strategy and its implications within the context of a communitybased participatory social marketing program to prevent risky sexual behaviors among highly vulnerable urban youth in a post-conflict country. Conclusion: We postulate that this approach may likely increase condom use among urban youth in Monrovia, the capital city of Liberia.
Keywords :
Condom Social Marketing , Post , Conflict Liberia , HIV , STI Prevention
