Assessment of Sexual Risk Perception and the Determinants of Protective Behavior of Stis/Hiv/Aids among Female College Students, in Debere-Markos Town, Amhara Regional State, Ethiopia
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Date
2010-06
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Addis Abeba Universty
Abstract
Background: Young people between the ages of 15 and 24 years are both the most threatened
globally, accounting for half of all new cases and the greatest hope for curving the epidemic of
HIV/AIDS. Young populations, especially never-married sexually active females have the
greatest risk of HIV infection. They may not be aware of their vulnerability to it or of how best
to prevent it. There is a great gap between knowledge and practice which needs detailed research
that address determinants.
Objective: To assess female college student’s knowledge, sexual behavior, risk perception and
determinants of protective behavior of STIs/HIV/AIDS in Debre Markos town.
Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional institution based survey was conducted from February to
April, 2010 and was complimented by qualitative study.
Result: 340 students interviewed and four focus group discussions were conducted. Students’
comprehensive knowledge was (15.5%). Only 7.4% perceived risky sexual behavior that can
exposed them for HIV. Among the study subjects 25% were sexually active. Sixty percent of the
respondents had used condoms consistently during their last sexual exercise. Ten percent of
never married respondents had experienced sexual intercourse. 75.4% did not used condoms
during their last sexual contact. Of all participants 61% of the study group had ever tested for
HIV in the last 12-months. Among those respondents who had sexual intercourse in the last one
year 6.8% had symptom of STI as foul smelling genital discharge and/or genital ulcer. Thirteen
percent of respondents had ever forced by their sexual partners and 5% of sexually active
students had more than one sexual partner.
Conclusion: Though awareness of HIV/AIDS/STIs among female college students was
relatively high, they had low comprehensive knowledge that capable of them to prevent
infections of STIs and HIV. Regarding risky sexual behavior and self risk perception, most of the
study subjects had involved in risky sexual behaviors but the great majority of them considered
themselves having low or no risk for HIV infection. Protective behavior such as utilization of
condom use was found to be inadequate but self recognition of HIV status in the last 12 months
was relatively higher.
Recommendation: Continuous IEC/BCC intervention programs paying attention on the
misconceptions and protective behaviors against HIV/STIs; creating a positive youth friendly
environment to address sensitive gender-related issues and access protective means like condom
provision within the institution and the community; Emphasis should be given to ensure access
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for young people to sex education, HIV/STIs, including information about contraceptives.
Students have to be further promoted to HIV counseling and testing services.
Key words: Sexual behavior; Risk perceptions; protective behavior; HIV, AIDS and STIs.
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Assessment of Sexual Risk Perception and the Determinants