Magnitude and Factors Associated With Risky Sexual Behaviours among Undergraduate Students in Selected Universities in Kigezi Sub Region

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Date

2022

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

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Publisher

Kabale University

Abstract

Although the Uganda government policy has tried to put in place measures that would minimise to promote sexual and reproductive health, there have been reports of rampant risky sexual behaviour especially among the youths most especially among university students. However, prior to the current study, the problem had not been explored with regard to the universities in the Kigezi sub-region, all of which are new. The current study assessed the prevalence andfactors associated with risky sexual behaviors among undergraduate students in selected universities in Kigezi sub-region as well the unmet needs with regard to sexual health services An institution based cross sectional study was conducted among 1056 study participants from target population of 5303 using a self-administered pre-tested questionnaire, key informant interview and direct observations using a pre-deigned checklist, to collect the data. The results showed the prevalence of sexual behaviour were as follows: Having multiple partners 494 (47%), being unfaithful to their sexual partners 348(33%) and inconsistence condom use 214(20%) It was also revealed that the factors that influenced the students to be involved in risky sexual behaviour included cold climate reported by 806 (76.3%) of respondents; limited condom provision and irregular replacement pattern in the Universities by 671 (63.5%, 605567936 - .664508207); and limited family planning programs and activities in the Universities with about 673 (63.7%, CI:0.61 - 0.67) of respondents. From the multinomial regression analysis, the study revealed the following variables to be statistically significant in relation to the prevalence of risk sexual behaviour: the individual or personal linked risky behaviors (p- value = 0.000 < 0.05); the contextual and environment related risk factors (p- value = 0.03 < 0.05). The unmet need was mainly in terms of sexual reproductive health services (p- value = 0.000 < 0.05 and p- value = 0.000 < 0.05).In conclusion, the study revealed that there is high prevalence of risky sexual behaviour in the study population which is influenced by cold climate, limited condom provision and irregular replacement pattern and limited family planning programs in the Universities with a significant unmet need for sexual health services in form of family planning services, sexual health activities sexual health counseling. The study therefore, recommends designing and implementing sexual risk reduction programs in university-based health care services in Uganda.

Description

A Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfilment of the Requirements for the Award of the Degree of Master of Public Health of Kabale University

Keywords

Risky Sexual Behaviours, Undergraduate Students

Citation