Student Demographics and Their Effects on Risky Sexual Behaviors and Poor Condom Use Pattern in Two Departments of a Nigerian University

Abstract

This study was conducted to assess the level and association of demographic factors on risky sexual behaviors and pattern of condom use among students of a Nigerian university. Final and penultimate year students in University of Nigeria were recruited and purposively sampled. Using a well structured and pre-validated questionnaire, questions on HIV awareness, sexual experiences and condom use were asked and responses collected. Data obtained were analyzed using descriptive statistics and analysis of variance. Exactly 524 students (mean age, 24 years; mean sexual debut age 19 years) participated. More females than male students had bisexual or homosexual partners (4.8% vs. 0.7%, p < 0.01); did not use a condom in the most recent sex (48.3% vs. 22.9%, p < 0.01) and in the last twelve months (31.5% vs. 11.7%, p < 0.05); had been forced for sex (23.2% vs. 18.7%, p < 0.05). More male students did not know their status (37.1% vs. 25.7%, p < 0.05); had oral and anal sex (41.3% vs. 27.3%, p < 0.01). As regards age at first sex, students who debuted earlier (≤ 19 years) performed oral/anal sex (53.6% vs. 40.1%, p < 0.05), did not use a condom during that first sex (70.1% vs. 45.4%, p < 0.01) and have had more than five sexual partners since then (38.5% vs. 10.1%, p < 0.01). This study showed that being male was associated with poor awareness of the virus and risky sexual behaviors and being female was associated with poor/inconsistent condom use. Also having started sex at an early age and being single was linked with risky behaviors. Such behaviors could be cautiously put in check by reintroducing HIV/AIDS prevention awareness strategies in universities.

Correlates of socio-demographic variables and attitude to condom use in HIV/AIDS prevention among students in some selected Nigerian Universities

“…Some reasons for not using condoms among the respondents in this study were similar to those cited in other studies among Kenyan and Nigerian students' populations. 16 24 These include being embarrassed when going to buy condoms; not happy with using it; not readily available or accessible at the time of sexual intercourse; partner's refusal, etc.…”

Sexual Risk Behaviours and Sti Risk Perception Among Senior High School Students in the Sunyani Municipality of Ghana

“…In Ghana, it has been reported in literature that the most frequent sexually transmitted infections have the tendency to be higher among young women than among men. Considering the impact of sexually transmitted infections on HIV infections, the youth, especially young women are at increasing risk of contracting an STI including HIV (Okonta et al, 2013).…”