Author(s): Debebe Wordofa and Solomon Shiferaw
Background: Although the number of higher learning institutions increase in number and size in Ethiopia, the HIV risk perception and behaviors among undergraduate students have become an indispensible part of the national HIV prevention and control program. These undergraduate students are particularly vulnerable to HIV/AIDS due to their age group which constitutes the peak period for sexual activity, inclination towards sexual networking and consequent risk of HIV infection of African university students, this study was conducted to examine the sexual risk behaviors of this group in Ethiopia. Objective: To assess the prevalence of sexual risk behaviors and associated factors in undergraduate students, of Madda Walabu University. Methods: An Institution-based cross-sectional study design was conducted and a self-administered questionnaire was used to collect information on socio- demographic and sexual risk behavior characteristics among 634 randomly selected students in Madda Walabu University, Ethiopia in February, 2014. Data was checked for their completeness, entered in to Epi info data version 3.1, and export to SPSS version 21 for data analysis. Descriptive analysis was used to determine the prevalence. Multivariate logistic regressions models were used to derive adjusted odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence interval (95% CI) and p-value of less than 0.05 considered as significant. The results were presented in a narrative forms, tables and graphs. Results: More than half 330 (54.6%); 95% CI (50.6 to 58.6) students reported, were involved in sexual risk behaviors. 4th year students were nearly nine times more likely as compared to first year students (AOR=9.5; 95% CI 2.5-36.3) and accepting to have premarital sex nearly two & half times more likely as compared to non-accepting premarital sex (AOR=2.58; 95% CI 1.26-5.27) were associated with having inconsistent condom use. And also a multiple logistic regression model examined, males respondents were nearly three times more likely as compared to females (AOR=2.80; 95% CI 1.35-5.80) and ever drunk alcohol three& half odd compared to abstainers (AOR=3.62; 95% CI 2.02-6.53) were associated with having multiple sexual partners. Conclusion: A significant segment of undergraduate students had some form of sexual risk behaviours including having multiple sexual partners and inconsistent condom use. The predominant factors that were associated with sexual risk behaviours includes; male sex, more study of year, drinking alcohol and accepting premarital sex. Madda Walabu University need to; design programs with comprehensive education on sexual and reproductive health (SRH) issues such as safer sex and HIV/AIDS through ; strengthen behavioural change communications (BCC) on risk perception; life skill training, peer-education, availing services and working with stalk holders, NGOs, and the surrounding community and youth friendly health service to facilitates accessibility of services such as usage of condom, and provide information related to SRH.
