When Showers Ignite Passions:

Isaac Olushola Ogunkola

Youth RISE International

Students for Sensible Drug Policy International

A Riveting Exploration of Rainfall, Risky Encounters, and the Youth Refugee Experience in West Africa"

Molly Unoh Ogbodum

Youth RISE Nigeria

Students for Sensible Drug Policy International

Statement:

• This research was part of a project funded by the International AIDS Society through the YouthHub Seed Grant.

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• Disclaimer: The funders had no influence on the work conducted in this study.

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Background:

The need for HIV prevention services in humanitarian settings is more pressing than ever, particularly among young refugees. As of 2019, 70.8 million people were forcibly displaced worldwide, 25.9 million were refugees, and over half were children under 18

This study forms a crucial part of a project funded by the International AIDS Society through the YouthHub Seed grant, focusing on the Adagom refugee settlement, the largest of its kind in West Africa. The intersection of environmental factors and sexual behavior is a growing area of interest in public health research.

This study delves into the qualitative analysis of the relationship between the rainy season and unprotected sex among young refugees in the settlement. The aim is to explore the underlying factors that contribute to this phenomenon and its implications for HIV/AIDS prevention efforts, thereby providing valuable insights for targeted interventions within this unique demographic.

Background:

• Research Focus:

• Aim:

• Exploring the relationship between the rainy season and unprotected sex among young refugees

• To uncover factors contributing to this phenomenon and its implications for HIV/AIDS prevention

Methods

• A qualitative research approach with in-depth interviews and focus group discussions

• Purposive sampling of young refugees aged 15-24

• Thematic and inductive analysis focusing on sexual behavior and the influence of the rainy season.

• Analysis:

• Participant Selection:

• Research Design:

Conducted during the rainy season to capture real-time experiences.

• Data Collection:

Methods

• the sharing of specific events or patterns related to increased sexual activity during certain weather conditions.

• Discussing cultural influences on relationships and intimacy, especially during or after rainfall and how that may contribute to the challenges in addressing HIV prevalence within the youth refugee population.

• participants' experiences with accessing healthcare services and specific challenges for young people in accessing HIV prevention and treatment services.

• Questions which elicited responses from participants bordered around:

Results

• A total of 30 participants took part in this study.

• They were aged 15-24
• We had 18 female and 12 male

• Participant demographics:

Results

• Key Finding:

• A complex interplay of factors leads to increased unprotected sex during the rainy season.

• ‘na raw sex they sweet pass for rain’
• - F (21), M (19)

• Participant Perception:

Results

• Participant Perceptions:

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'Guys no dey fit control body inside rain o’

- F (22)

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‘When everywhere cold, e no dey easy to stand up carry condom’

- M (24)

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‘Rain time na weather for two if she no get odeshi, I no fit carry rain coat o’

- M (20)

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Challenges:

• Limited access to sexual health services and increased indoor time lead to more sexual encounters

• Socio-cultural beliefs and practices related to the rainy season also contribute to the trend..e.g transactional sex, absence of sex education

• Cultural Factors:

Conclusion

• The need for youth-focused, culturally sensitive HIV/AIDS prevention strategies in the settlement is paramount.

• Addressing challenges posed by the rainy season and socio-cultural beliefs is of utmost importance. Interventions and access to condoms need to be intensified during rainy season in the settlement

• Recommendations:

Questions

• Feel free to ask

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To learn more about our project

• SCAN