Determinants of Risky Sexual Behaviours Among Undergraduate Students of Walter Sisulu University in Eastern Cape

Mangxa, Tandiwe Veronica

Background: Students in tertiary institutions are vulnerable to risky sexual behaviours and they tend to experience them. They engage in risky sexual behaviours that predispose them to risk of contracting Sexually Transmitted Infections including HIV and unplanned pregnancy.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to describe the determinants of risky sexual behaviours among Walter Sisulu University undergraduate students in order to strengthen existing intervention strategies.

Method: A cross sectional study using mixed method, Concurrent Triangulation design was used. The study was conducted at all four WSU campuses in the Eastern Cape Province. Self-administered questionnaires were administered to 1024 students and four focus group interviews were conducted to 27 participants. The data were analyzed using SPSS version 20 software package and N’VIVO 10 computer package.

Results: About 93.95% of sexually active respondents had practiced risky sexual behaviours. The mean age at first sexual intercourse was 16-17 years. 91.60% of students were heterosexual, 5.86% were homosexual and 2.54% were bisexual. Unprotected sex was reported by 39.75%, 38.38% had sexual intercourse with a stranger, alcohol use at last sexual intercourse was 10.86%, non – use of condom by homosexuals 55%, heterosexuals 39% and bisexuals 30.80%. A 66.60% considered themselves as having high probability of HIV infection because they practice risky sexual behaviours.

However, about 40.23%, (p = 0.001) of students had intention to abstain from sex in next 12 months, whilst majority 77.83%,(p =0.30) had intention to be faithful to one sexual partner, 74.22%, (p= 0.766) had intention to use condom, while intention not to have sex with someone older was 56.45%, (p<0.01) and intention not to have sex in exchange for money was 68.85%,(p = 0.009).

Conclusions: The majority of participants engaged in risky sexual behaviors and various factors were associated with these risky sexual behaviours. Interventions targeting reduction of multiple partners, alcohol or drug intake, condom use, sex with older partners, transactional sex and collaboration between academics and support services are recommended.