Sexual behaviour among university of Nairobi resident undergraduate Students in the era of Hiv / Aids

Abstract

University students constitute a high risk group for HIV infection. This is hugely contributed by their youthful age and lack of strict regulations in institutions of higher learning leading to students engaging in reckless sexual relationships. According to data from National Aids Control council, the most vulnerable age brackets to contract HIV are 18 to 25 years and that the virus is spreading at an a alarming rate among his age bracket. The overall aim of this study was to investigate the sexual behaviour of the University of Nairobi students in the era of HIV/Aids. The specific objectives of this study were as follows: To establish self-risk perception by the university of Nairobi student community with regard to HIV/Aids infection, To determine the level of vulnerability/exposure to HIV infection among the University of Nairobi students and To determine the actions taken by the students to protect themselves from contracting HIV of University of Nairobi students because of HIV/Aids prevalence. The study was conducted among University of Nairobi undergraduate students in august 2006. Only primary data was collected using both qualitative and quantitative methods. Qualitative data was collected from key informants while quantitative data was collected from the students. The quantitative data was analysed using SPSS and presented in form of frequency tables, percentages and cross tabulations. The data was interpreted and report written. The qualitative data was merged and then summarized then used in the report as complementary notes for the quantitative data. The study has found out that the University students take the issue of HIV/Aids seriously. Many know that they are at risk of being infected and have taken precautionary measures such as abstaining, use of condoms and going for HIV test. Many are avoiding circumstances that predispose them to HIV infection such as drug use, alcohol, clubs and commercial sex.