Investigating the risky sexual behavioural patterns that put students at the risk of HIV Infection at Hifikepunye Pohamba Campus (HPC) of the University of Namibia (UNAM)

[摘要] ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This study sought to determine the risky sexual behavioral patterns that increase the vulnerability of Hifikepunye Pohamba (HP) students to the risk of infection by HIV/AIDS at HP Campus of the University of Namibia (UNAM). The study intended to make an assessment of the HIV/AIDS support structures for students at HP campus, their relevance and adequacy, and the extent to which these structures and facilities are helping students to cope with HIV/AIDS effects. The study focused on students at Hifikepunye Pohamba Campus of UNAM only. Students are affected by HIV/AIDS at HP campus. Therefore, it is important to find out what the risky sexual behavior patterns of these students are in order to implement evidence-based prevention programs for HIV/AIDS at HP campus. The research also assessed and determined the suitability of the HIV/AIDS student-support structures for these students to cope with HIV/AIDS effects. More so, this study also sought to establish reasons behind students‟ risky sexual behaviors. In view of these factors the study intended to find out the level of HIV/AIDS knowledge which these HP students have.The study used triangulation in the data collection process through the use of questionnaires and a one-hour focus group discussion. Quantitative data was analyzed using SPSS version 19 and the findings from the focus group were analyzed using topological themes and coding.Findings from the study revealed that students at HP campus are involved in various risky sexual behaviors which include: indulging in sex while they are under the influence of alcohol, having concurrent multiple sexual partners, having unprotected sex, and also involved in transactional sex. The study also revealed that the level of knowledge about HIV/AIDS among the students is not adequate to protect them from getting infected with HIV. In addition to that, it was also revealed that the student HIV/AIDS support-structures at HP campus are not adequate to meet the needs of the students and there is more that still needs to be done to improve the status of the support systems.

[发布机构] Stellenbosch University