Social vulnerability to natural hazards has become a topical issue in the face of climate change. For disaster risk reduction strategies to be effective, prior assessments of social vulnerability have to be undertaken. This study applies the household social vulnerability methodology to measure social vulnerability to natural hazards in Botswana. A total of 11 indicators were used to develop the District Social Vulnerability Index (DSVI). Literature informed the selection of indicators constituting the model. The principal component analysis (PCA) method was used to calculate indicators’ weights. The results of this study reveal that social vulnerability is mainly driven by size of household, disability, level of education, age, people receiving social security, employment status, households status and levels of poverty, in that order. The spatial distribution of DSVI scores shows that Ngamiland West, Kweneng West and Central Tutume are highly socially vulnerable. A correlation analysis was run between DSVI scores and the number of households affected by floods, showing a positive linear correlation. The government, non-governmental organisations and the private sector should appreciate that social vulnerability is differentiated, and intervention programmes should take cognisance of this.
Abstract:Background: The principal mode of HIV transmission in Southern Africa is through sexual intercourse, and this has prompted uptake of safe male circumcision. Engaging in risky sexual behaviour by circumcised men increases the risks of acquiring HIV, though male circumcision coupled with preventive behaviour reduces this risk. Objective: To compare the factors associated with risky sexual behaviour among circumcised and uncircumcised men in Botswana. Methods: Nationally representative data from the Botswana AIDS Impact Survey III were used. A sample of 313 sexually active men was used. The data was analysed by cross-tabulation and logistic regression. Results: The study revealed that uncircumcised men (odds ratio, 5.711) were more likely to have sex while intoxicated with alcohol compared to circumcised men. Low levels of education (odds ratio, 8.736), urban residency (city/town: odds ratio, 1.238 and urban village: odds ratio, 1.098) were more likely to influence risky behaviour (more than one sexual partner) for circumcised men. The results also show that marital status (never married) (odds ratio, 1.947) influences risky behaviour (having sex while intoxicated with alcohol) among uncircumcised men. Conclusion: Low level of education, place of residence and alcohol consumption influences risky sexual behaviour for both circumcised and uncircumcised men. Policies and programmes should thus focus on the attitudes underlying sexual behaviour.
In this research we investigate factors associated with nonuse of condoms for sexually active Botswana women. Nationally represented data, drawn from the 2004 Botswana AIDS Impact Survey, were used. A sample of 5,236 women aged 15-49 who have had sexual intercourse was considered for the analysis. Cross-tabulations were used to gain insights into the phenomena to be reinforced with logistic regression. Through logistic regression analysis, we reveal that the relative odds of having had no HIV/AIDS tests, had an older sexual partner, and had sexual intercourse intoxicated under alcohol were significantly less among teenagers and women aged 20-34. It is shown that women with primary education were less likely to have been tested for HIV/AIDS and have had sexual intercourse while intoxicated. Christians were less likely to have had sexual intercourse while intoxicated. Last, women who did not use condoms at last sexual intercourse were significantly more likely to have had sexual intercourse while under the influence of alcohol, had older sexual partners, and believed that people cannot reduce their chances of getting HIV/AIDS by using a condom.
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