PETALING JAYA (Sept 6, 2009): There are still many misconceptions in Malaysia about the mode of transmission of HIV despite awareness programmes conducted by the government and non-governmental organisations, a survey has shown.
These were mainly related to kissing, sharing meals, sitting on public toilets, using public swimming pools and causal contact, said University of Malaya psychologist Prof Low Wah Yun, who conducted the survey with two colleagues.
“It is important for these misconceptions to be dispelled in order to reduce the stigma and discrimination,” she said.
In this respect, Low said, the media could play a significant role by tackling difficult issues such as how to handle unwanted sexual advances and to negotiate condom use.
She said the number of HIV infections through heterosexual relationships was on the rise in the country due to the fact that most Malaysian men were reluctant to use condoms.
Low also highlighted the risk of contracting HIV among adolescents who did not practise safe sex.
“Worldwide, more than 50% of all new HIV infections occur in those aged between 10 and 24.
Daily, over 7000 young people are infected with HIV.”
She said that although the Health Ministry had implemented the “Prostar” programme for young people aimed at increasing knowledge of HIV/AIDS, the survey found there was still a large number of youth unaware of it.
Low suggested the programme be widely implemented especially for youth out of school and young factory workers.
She said peer education was an effective way to have young people participate in HIV prevention and care efforts.
On the rising threat of cybersex, Low said online sexual activity was the next sexual revolution, with this type of sexual expression ranging from curiosity to obsessive involvement.
To combat the growing social issue, there is an urgent need for youth-friendly sexual and reproductive health services that provide confidentiality and trust and are non-judgmental, she said. – Bernama
These were mainly related to kissing, sharing meals, sitting on public toilets, using public swimming pools and causal contact, said University of Malaya psychologist Prof Low Wah Yun, who conducted the survey with two colleagues.
“It is important for these misconceptions to be dispelled in order to reduce the stigma and discrimination,” she said.
In this respect, Low said, the media could play a significant role by tackling difficult issues such as how to handle unwanted sexual advances and to negotiate condom use.
She said the number of HIV infections through heterosexual relationships was on the rise in the country due to the fact that most Malaysian men were reluctant to use condoms.
Low also highlighted the risk of contracting HIV among adolescents who did not practise safe sex.
“Worldwide, more than 50% of all new HIV infections occur in those aged between 10 and 24.
Daily, over 7000 young people are infected with HIV.”
She said that although the Health Ministry had implemented the “Prostar” programme for young people aimed at increasing knowledge of HIV/AIDS, the survey found there was still a large number of youth unaware of it.
Low suggested the programme be widely implemented especially for youth out of school and young factory workers.
She said peer education was an effective way to have young people participate in HIV prevention and care efforts.
On the rising threat of cybersex, Low said online sexual activity was the next sexual revolution, with this type of sexual expression ranging from curiosity to obsessive involvement.
To combat the growing social issue, there is an urgent need for youth-friendly sexual and reproductive health services that provide confidentiality and trust and are non-judgmental, she said. – Bernama
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