HIV-Related Knowledge and Perceptions by Academic Major: Implications for University Interventions.

Matthew Lee Smith,Lisa L La Place,Mindy Menn,Kelly L Wilson

doi:10.3389/fpubh.2014.00018

Abstract

Most universities offer human sexuality courses, although they are not required for graduation. While students in health-related majors may receive sexuality education in formal settings, majority of college students never receive formal sexual health or HIV/AIDS-related education, which may lead to elevated engagement in high-risk sexual behaviors. This study examines perceived knowledge about HIV/AIDS, perceived risk, and perceived consequences among college students by two distinct classifications of academic majors. Data were collected from 510 college students. Binary and multinomial logistic regressions were performed to compare HIV-related covariates by academic major category. Limited differences were observed by science, technology, engineering, and mathematics categorization. Relative to health and kinesiology majors, those who self-reported being “completely knowledgeable” about HIV were less likely to be physical sciences, mathematics, engineering, and business (PMEB) (OR = 0.41, P = 0.047) or education, humanities, and social sciences majors (OR = 0.25, P = 0.004). PMEB majors were less likely to report behavioral factors as a risk for contracting HIV (OR = 0.86, P = 0.004) and perceived acquiring HIV would be more detrimental to their quality of life (OR = 2.14, P = 0.012), but less detrimental to their mental well-being (OR = 0.58, P = 0.042). Findings can inform college-wide campaigns and interventions to raise HIV/AIDS awareness and improve college health.

Highlights

The traditional college years represent a well-documented period of marked identity development and exploration both in and out of the classroom
Of these 510 undergraduate college students, 41.6% were enrolled in majors categorized as STEM majors and in regard to the secondary academic major groups, 28.2% were PMEB majors, 22.6% were EHS majors, 24.3% were biological sciences (BS) majors, and 24.9% were health and kinesiology (HK) majors
In terms of secondary academic major groups, larger proportions of PMEB and BS majors were in younger age groups relative to EHS and HK majors (χ2 = 38.46, P < 0.001)

Summary

Introduction

The traditional college years represent a well-documented period of marked identity development and exploration both in and out of the classroom. Many authors documented undergraduate students’ self-reported engagement in risky sexual behaviors such as engaging in sex while drunk, engaging in sex with multiple partners, and engaging in unprotected sex [2,3,4,5,6]. These behaviors carry inherent and varied risks of HIV transmission, yet the American College Health Association’s National College Health Assessment (ACHA-NCHA) revealed a majority of students surveyed had never been tested for HIV (n = 17,166; 73.4%) and were not interested in receiving sexually transmitted disease prevention information from their institution (n = 14,823; 63.7%). Majors provide a consistent basis to classify, group, and divide students, faculty, physical, and financial resources

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion