The role of hiv/aids information in changing risky sexual behaviour among undergraduate students: the case of Kilimanjaro Christian Medical College and Moshi University College of Cooperative and Business Studies

The vulnerability of HIV/AIDS among young people raised the need for prevention programmes that encourage safe sexual behaviour. The study examined factors that influence undergraduate sexual behaviour and the role of HIV/AIDS information in the prevention of HIV/AIDS in Kilimanjaro Christian Medical College and Moshi University College of Cooperative and Business Studies. Self- administered questionnaires were distributed to 162 respondents, of which 151 were returned. Purposive sampling technique was used to obtain the study sample. The findings revealed that, 130 (86%) were aware of the pandemic and its modes of transmission. The main source of information was books. Respondents from KCMCollege reported to receive HIV/AIDS information from the hospital while those from MUCCOBS reported to receive HIV/AIDS information from the university. In regard to risky sexual behaviour, only 50 (32%) reported to have tested for HIV/AIDS. Only 61 (40%) use condoms during sexual intercourse, among them 39 (63%) consistently and 26 (43%) before marriage. Women 56 (65%) reported to have more sexual partners compared to men 30 (35%). Most respondents 70 (47%) preferred information for condom use and 57 (38%) recommended information for PMCTC and VCT. Among the factors mentioned to hinder the use of HIV/AIDS information was 58 (38%) studies and time limit while 22 (15%) reported unavailability of HIV/AIDS information. Thirty seven (25%) respondents reported no factors. University students need to be well informed about HIV/AIDS in order to influence their behaviour and to address some of the misconceptions that they hold to avoid HIV/AIDS.