Attitude, Sexual Behaviour and Risk Perception to Sexually Transmitted Infections Including HIV/AIDS among Students of University of Abuja, Nigeria

Aims: Adolescents and young adults engage in risky sexual behaviors that may expose them to risk of contracting sexual transmitted diseases. The aim of this study is to assess the attitude, sexual practices and risk perception to STIs including HIV/AIDS among students of the University of Abuja by determining their level of utilization of available protective measures and the impact of their risk perception on their sexual behavior.
Study Design: Descriptive cross-sectional study of non medical undergraduate students.
Place and Duration of Study: University of Abuja, Nigeria. Between September, 2012 and February, 2013
Methodology: Stratified random sampling method was used in the administration of a detailed semi structured questionnaire which identified socio-demographic characteristics, knowledge of STIs including HIV/AIDS, sexual practices and risk perception of the students. Data obtained were analysed using descriptive statistics and chi square technique.
Results: A total of 356 out of 405 questionnaires completed (87.7%) were analysed. Mean age at sexual debut was 17.7±3.6years. Students showed average/high level of knowledge of STIs (87.4%) and HIV/AIDS (91%). More men (35.1%) used condom at their last sex than women (28%). More men had sexual partners (23.1%) than women (14.3%). 2.3% perceived their risk to be high, 44.7% perceived their risks to be low and 41.6% perceived no risk at all. Of those who perceived low and no risk, only 28.7% and 10.1% use condom regularly and occasionally respectively. The chi square analyses shows that there were no significant relationships between knowledge of HIV/AIDS and condom use (χ2=15.5); between gender and condom use (χ2=9.49); and between gender and having multiple sex partners (χ2=9.49). However there is significant relationship between perception of risk of contracting HIV/AIDS and condom use (χ2=21.02) at P=.05.
Conclusion: the study found a low condom use rate, irrespective of the reported high level when engaging in high risk sex. The sensitization of the students regarding STI including HIV/AIDS should therefore prioritize it goals and objectives more at targeting behaviour change rather than just giving out information alone.