Self-esteem, sexual-risk behaviour and loveLife exposure among South African young women

Various risk behaviours have been identified to explain the increased risk of HIV infection among young women including factors such as poverty, gender-based violence as well as low levels of self-esteem. This study investigated young women's self-esteem, sexual-risk behaviour and exposure to loveLife, a youth HIV prevention programme. A population-based household survey of youth aged between 18-24 years in four South African provinces was conducted, using multi-stage stratified cluster sampling. The sample included 1417 women. Self-esteem was assessed with the 10-item Rosenberg self-esteem scale. Not having sex with someone older, partner reduction, self-efficacy, relationship control and having a sense of future predicted self-esteem. Higher levels of self-esteem were positively associated with exposure to loveLife. Overall, being in control of the relationship and having a sense of future are important factors in understanding sexual-risk behaviour in young women. loveLife programmes present great potential to enhance self-esteem for young women.