Risky Sexual Behaviour among University Students

Introduction: Early sexual debut, having multiple sex partners, and non-use of condoms are some of the risky sexual behaviors among young people that makes them vulnerable to many health problems such as sexually transmitted infections (STIs), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS).

Methods: A cross-sectional quantitative survey was utilized in this study. Eight hundred and fifty nine undergraduate students were surveyed in classrooms selected through a stratified random sample procedure. Data was collected using a self-administered questionnaire in a class room situation. The questionnaire included the Health and Behaviour Survey, National College Health Risk Behavior Survey and the Global School Health Survey.

Results: The results showed that male students were more likely to report having had more than one sexual partner. However, they were more consistent in condom use compared to female students. The study also revealed that students in the fourth (final) year were more likely to report having experienced sexually transmitted infections than those in the first year.

Conclusion: The study revealed that having multiple sex partners increased with advancement in university years attained with more males likely to report having had more than one sexual partner. Consistent condom use was generally low with students in the senior years reporting to have contracted an STI.