Knowledge, attitude, behaviour and beliefs of Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University Undergraduate students regarding HIV and AIDS

Abstract

Background: Young adults in the age group 18-24 years have the highest incidence of HIV in South Africa. University students who fall in this age group, have poor knowledge about HIV and engage in risky sexual behaviours such as not always use condoms during sexual intercourse. This study sought to explore health sciences students’ self-reported beliefs, attitudes and knowledge about HIV/AIDS at the University of Limpopo. Methods & Materials: This was mixed methods study using a questionnaire and stratified sampling of students. Results: There were 143 participants. Most of the respondents (77%) were in the age range of 18 to 20 years, female (56%) and had good knowledge about risky sexual behaviour, with 86% of the students knowing that having sex with someone who has another sexually transmitted infection increases the risk and 93% of the students knew that there is an increased risk if an individual has multiple partners. Although most (93%) knew that using a condom can prevent the spread of AIDS, 31% said that they would feel uncomfortable buying condoms even though the majority reported knowing how to use a condom (78%). Most knew about safe sexual behaviour, with 65% stating that it is not too much trouble to practice safe sex, 88% said they knew how to have safe sex and 85% plan on being very careful with whom they have sex with in the future. Many students (71%) believe that Black homosexuals are more likely to have HIV/AIDS and 39% believe that once a person gets sexually excited, he or she loses all control of what happens next. The only significant difference between males and females was that more women thought that their friends knew that practicing safer sex decreases the spread of HIV/AIDS (p = < 0.018) which may imply that males think their friends engage in high risk sexual behaviours. Conclusion: Although students have good knowledge about HIV transmission and high risk sexual behaviour, almost a third feel uncomfortable about buying condoms so they may not actually be using condoms. More males than females seem to think that most of their friends do not practice safe sexual behaviours.