Youth Stories of Schooling Aspirations and Pathways to HIV Risk

• In Event: Hilton Roundtable 22
  In Roundtable Session: International ELT

Abstract

This paper examines the developmental relationship between school enrollment and HIV infection for youth in Rakai, Uganda. Previous research as part of the Rakai Community Cohort Study (RCCS) surveyed 7500 young adults over 20 years and found school enrollment was the strongest protective factor against HIV. Extending this line of study we analyzed narrative life histories and survey responses for 66 participants. Leaving school led to in increased risk for HIV and this differed by gender, with men (n = 33) often traveling to urban centers for work, and women more initiating sex at young ages. Our findings have implications for research, practice and policy on education and adolescent health in Uganda and across sub-Saharan Africa and the developing world.

Authors

• Philip Kreniske, Columbia University and NYSPI

• Stephanie Grilo, Columbia University

• Neema Nakyanjo, Rakai Health Sciences Program

• John S. Santelli, Columbia University