Adolescent Dating and HIV Perceptions: A Phenomenological Study in N’Djamena, Chad

Introduction The study focuses on understanding the complex interplay between dating behaviors and HIV perceptions among adolescents and young people (ages 15-24 years) in Chad. As adolescents and young people are disproportionately affected by the HIV epidemic, this research aims to uncover how cultural and social influences shape young people’s attitudes towards dating and HIV prevention. The significance of this study lies in its potential to inform targeted, culturally sensitive HIV prevention strategies for the youth in Chad. Methods A qualitative phenomenological approach was adopted, using 4 focus group discussions (n=12 each) with high school students in N’Djamena, Chad. Participants were divided into beneficiary and non-beneficiary groups based on their exposure to a peer education program about HIV. Data analysis was conducted using ATLAS.ti software and the descriptive Colaizzi method, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of participants’ perspectives. Results Findings revealed significant gender differences in dating motivations and partner selection criteria. While males primarily viewed dating as a means to fulfill sexual desires, females often sought emotional connection and companionship. There was a general lack of awareness about PrEP, with more emphasis on condom use for pregnancy prevention rather than HIV or STI protection. Gender roles played a substantial part in decisions regarding safe sex practices, with a notable discrepancy in shared versus individual responsibility. Additionally, risk behaviors like alcohol use and multiple partnerships were identified as prevalent among youth. Conclusions The study highlights the need for gender-sensitive educational interventions focusing on the realities of adolescent sexual behavior in Chad. It underscores the disparity in HIV knowledge and prevention awareness among adolescents, pointing out the absence of awareness about PrEP. Future research should emphasize developing HIV prevention strategies that resonate with the unique cultural and social dynamics of Chadian youth, considering their specific dating behaviors and perceptions towards HIV. ### Competing Interest Statement The authors have declared no competing interest. ### Funding Statement The study received funding from the Rose Service-Learning Fellow at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, and the Fostering Diversity in HIV Research Program, led by Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. The Fostering Diversity in HIV Research Program is supported by the National Institutes of Health (R25MH119857). ### Author Declarations I confirm all relevant ethical guidelines have been followed, and any necessary IRB and/or ethics committee approvals have been obtained. Yes The details of the IRB/oversight body that provided approval or exemption for the research described are given below: The Institutional Review Board of the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health gave ethical approval for this work. I confirm that all necessary patient/participant consent has been obtained and the appropriate institutional forms have been archived, and that any patient/participant/sample identifiers included were not known to anyone (e.g., hospital staff, patients or participants themselves) outside the research group so cannot be used to identify individuals. Yes I understand that all clinical trials and any other prospective interventional studies must be registered with an ICMJE-approved registry, such as ClinicalTrials.gov. I confirm that any such study reported in the manuscript has been registered and the trial registration ID is provided (note: if posting a prospective study registered retrospectively, please provide a statement in the trial ID field explaining why the study was not registered in advance). Yes I have followed all appropriate research reporting guidelines, such as any relevant EQUATOR Network research reporting checklist(s) and other pertinent material, if applicable. Yes The availability of the full data set is not publicly available in a repository due to ethical restrictions. Ethical approval for the study was received from both the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health’s Institutional Review Board (protocol #IRB21-1641) and the National Committee on Bioethics of Chad (#036CMT/PC/PMT/MESRI/SG/CNBT/2022). When applying for ethical approval we did not specify that the data would be made publicly available in a repository. As part of the written and verbal consent we assured participants that all data would be confidential and access to the recordings would be restricted to the research team. We did specify that “some of their words” may be used in reporting the findings of the study (which we have done within the manuscript as non-identifiable quotes), however to make all raw data publicly available will be a serious breach to the rights of ethical of participants given did not consent to this.