Alcohol and Substance use vis a vis HIV Sexual Risk Behaviours among freshman students at a Kenyan University College; Focus for Interventions

Abstract

The study was to evaluate the perception of freshman students at Kimathi University College of Technology towards HIV/AIDS, sexual behaviours and drug use. A cross sectional study with a probability, two stage sampling method was used.115 participated, 21.7% were female. Knowledge of HIV/AIDS was high, although behaviour did not reflect such. The number of participants that have engaged in sex is 57.9%, 65.1% of males. 45.5% state they do not use condoms. 48.3% having never been tested for HIV. Of these, 41.1% feel they have never been exposed to the virus. Participants who reported having consumed alcohol and other drugs were 27.2%, and 7.5% felt the use of drugs or alcohol increased the risk of sexually transmitted disease. Consumption of alcohol was significantly associated to having engaged in sex (p=0.003) and non use of condoms (p=0.015). Results show need for further intervention to change the attitude of the students.

Keywords: Freshman, Alcohol, Substance abuse, HIV, Risk behavior