Citation

Serunkuuma R. AIDS Health Promot. Exch. 1994; (3): 7.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1994, Royal Tropical Institute in the Netherlands)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

12288108

Abstract

This testimonial of a male youth describes the psychosocial factors influencing his sex behavior at age 17. After dropping out of school, he moved to his maternal village where he came under the influence of 4 sexually experienced boys. This peer group would take the boy to places in the evening where drinking and heterosexual promiscuity were encouraged. The boy, who was too shy, was subjected to derision by the group when he did not comply with their wishes. He lost his friends, and his self esteem suffered. In order to regain the friendship of the group, the boy had his first intercourse. This affair was fleeting and was followed by another that lasted 2 months. After returning to his paternal family, the boy began having health problems that were unresponsive to drug treatment. The boy read a copy of the pamphlet "Know the Facts about AIDS" and contacted his former girlfriends. One had died 6 months before. The boy went to a hospital clinic for screening. Pre-test counseling was conducted by TASO. The boy tested positive for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and immediately thought his death was imminent. This led to thoughts of suicide and denial. The counselor advised the boy that he could prolong his life more than 7 years by treating infections, eating well, getting enough rest, keeping busy to avoid thinking about approaching death, refraining from alcohol and smoking, and getting regular exercise. TASO and the Post-Test Club provide extensive support to the boy. His feelings have turned from anger and denial to hope and acceptance. He has joined the Philly Lutaaya Initiative, a PWA project which aims to change risk behavior and to destigmatize AIDS.

Language: en