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International Journal of Public Health

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01-03-2019 | Original Article

Food insecurity, sexual risk taking, and sexual victimization in Ghanaian adolescents and young South African adults

Authors: Rainier Masa, Lauren Graham, Zoheb Khan, Gina Chowa, Leila Patel

Published in: International Journal of Public Health | Issue 2/2019

Abstract

Objectives

The objectives of this study were to examine whether food insecurity is associated with sexual risk taking and victimization in young people (aged 16–24); and to investigate whether the relationship of food insecurity with sexual risk taking and victimization is moderated by gender.

Methods

Cross-sectional data were obtained in 2014 from a sample of Ghanaian adolescents (n = 773) and in 2015 from young South African adults (n = 823). We used multilevel logistic regression given the study’s binary outcome and clustered data. We tested a moderation effect of gender by including an interaction between gender and food insecurity.

Results

Food insecurity was highly prevalent (72% in Ghana and 83% in South Africa). Food insecurity was significantly associated with unwanted sexual contact among Ghanaian adolescents (OR 1.05, 95% CI 1.02, 1.08) and age-disparate sex among young South African adults (OR 1.03, 95% CI 1.00, 1.06). Results indicated no moderating effect of gender.

Conclusions

Our findings underscore the importance of food access on young people’s sexual health, regardless of gender. Prevention efforts may be more relevant when integrated with food security interventions that target vulnerable adolescents and young adults, irrespective of gender.

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Title: Food insecurity, sexual risk taking, and sexual victimization in Ghanaian adolescents and young South African adults
Authors: Rainier Masa
Lauren Graham
Zoheb Khan
Gina Chowa
Leila Patel
Publication date: 01-03-2019
Publisher: Springer International Publishing
Published in: International Journal of Public Health / Issue 2/2019
Print ISSN: 1661-8556
Electronic ISSN: 1661-8564
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00038-018-1155-x

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Food insecurity, sexual risk taking, and sexual victimization in Ghanaian adolescents and young South African adults

Abstract

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusions

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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