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  2. Vol 27, No 9 (2023)
  3. Owusu-Ansah

Knowledge and sexual behaviors: A path towards HIV/AIDS prevention among university students

Frances E. Owusu-Ansah(1), Akua A. Addae(2), Christian Amoah(3), Abubakar A. Raman(4), Victoria D. Adjei(5), Esther Ohenewa(6),


(1) Behavioural Sciences Department, School of Medical Sciences and Dentistry, College of Health Sciences, Kwame Nkrumah University of Sciences and Technology (KNUST), Kumasi. Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH), KumasiH)
(2) The KNUST Counseling Center, Kumasi
(3) Behavioural Sciences Department, School of Medical Sciences and Dentistry, College of Health Sciences, Kwame Nkrumah University of Sciences and Technology (KNUST), Kumasi. Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH), Kumasi
(4) Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH), Kumasi.
(5) The KNUST Counseling Center, Kumasi.
(6) Behavioural Sciences Department, School of Medical Sciences and Dentistry, College of Health Sciences, Kwame Nkrumah University of Sciences and Technology (KNUST), Kumasi. Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH), Kumasi.
Corresponding Author

Abstract


Despite the world’s commitment to end HIV/AIDS by 2030, the disease is still prevalent in sub-Saharan Africa. Although awareness is high among the youth, they are the most vulnerable because of their susceptibility to risky behaviors. This cross-sectional correlational study examined HIV/AIDS awareness and sexual behaviors among university students. Nine hundred and ten (910) students, attending an annual health screening exercise, were conveniently sampled to participate in the study by completing a structured questionnaire (Behavioral Surveillance Survey) in addition to socio-demographic information. Data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25 to obtain descriptive statistics. Results indicated that HIV/AIDS awareness is very high however, a sizable number of participants engaged in risky sexual behaviors inconsistent with their knowledge. There was a significant positive relationship between students’ awareness of HIV/AIDS and their perception of the influence of the awareness on sexual behaviors. Yet, there was no relationship between awareness and actual sexual behaviors and HIV/AIDS attitudes. While students believed that their awareness positively influenced their sexual choices, the actual behaviors and attitudes were inconsistent with the awareness. Implications of findings for HIV/AIDS prevention are discussed. (Afr J Reprod Health 2023; 27 [9]: 117-126).

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