Prevalence and predictors of high risk sexual behaviours among undergraduate university students at Midlands State University

Abstract

The highest number of new HIV infections in Zimbabwe are recorded in the 20-29 age group, with most being through heterosexual transmission. University students are a sub-population within this age group, and are key in HIV prevention efforts as they tend to engage in risky sexual behaviours. This study sought to determine the prevalence of high risk sexual behaviours among undergraduate university students at Midlands State University, and determine the predictive value of alcohol use, childhood sexual abuse, and sexual debut for each high risk sexual behaviour. The research adopted an analytical survey design, and data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire given to a sample of 381 students selected using clustered random sampling. Logistic regression analyses were done to determine the significance of each predictor variable. 65.62% of the students in the sample had some sexual experience, with most reporting inconsistent condom use and multiple sexual partnerships. Transactional sex and intergenerational sex were less prevalent among the students. Higher frequency of alcohol consumption was associated with greater likelihood of multiple sexual partnerships and intergenerational sex, while more frequent heavy episodic drinking predicted inconsistent condom use and transactional sex. Childhood sexual abuse predicted multiple sexual partnerships, and increased the likelihood of intergenerational sex by seven times and transactional sex by four times. Lower age at sexual debut was associated with higher likelihood of inconsistent condom use and multiple sexual partnerships. Findings emphasise the necessity of sexual and reproductive health programs targeting teenagers to prevent early sexual debut. Screening for childhood sexual abuse would be useful in HIV prevention, and there is need for interventions designed specifically for students who consume alcohol.