Risky sexual behaviors and associated factors among DebreBirhan University students, DebreBirhan, North Shewa Ethiopia

Abstract

Back ground: Higher education students are categorized under the Most at Risk Population Segments (MARPS) to acquire HIV infection. The risky sexual behaviors in these groups might be different and so are factors contributing. Most prevention interventions targeting the general public do not directly respond to these students’ needs and expectations rather there has be specialized intervention to address this particular group.

Objectives: Assessment of risky sexual behavior and associated factors among DebreBirhan University students.

Methods: Institutional based cross-sectional study was conducted from January 19 to January 30, 2009 in 8 randomly selected departments at DebreBirhan university regular students. Quantitative data were collected using a questionnaire completed in a face-to-face interview with 576 students. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 20.

Result: About 12% of sexually active students’ had one of the risky sexual behaviors’. Sex, living area, year of study, frequency of alcohol and Chat intake are predictor of risky sexual behavior among DebreBirhan University students.

Conclusion The magnitude of risky sexual behaviors and factors promoting them among DebreBirhan University students were significant