Risky sexual behaviours among young adults attending Higher Learning Institutions in Mbeya, Tanzania: implications for STIs and HIV preventive programs

• DOI: 10.12688/aasopenres.13123.2
• Publication Date: 2021-11-08T13:55:06Z
• Authors: Ruby Doryn Mcharo; Willyhelmina Olomi; Philippe Mayaud; Sia E. Msuya
• Keywords: 03 medical and health sciences; 0302 clinical medicine; 5. Gender equality; 4. Education; 3. Good health; Research Article

<ns4:p><ns4:bold>Background</ns4:bold></ns4:p><ns4:p> High-risk sexual behaviors(HRSBs) among young adults are key risk for Sexually Transmitted Infections(STIs), HIV and unplanned pregnancies. WHO has identified the 15-24years age-group as high-risk STIs. Students at Higher Learning Institutions(HLIs) may be higher because they <ns4:italic>free</ns4:italic> of immediate parental-supervision, a transient migratory population, probably peak-years activity. In Tanzania, information is limited on preventive behaviours in HLIs. We describe risky practices attending HLIs Mbeya-Tanzania.</ns4:p><ns4:p> <ns4:bold>Methods</ns4:bold></ns4:p><ns4:p> conducted cross-sectional study from March2019 to January2020 randomly selected students aged 18-24years enrolled within Mbeya. Probability proportional size was used determine total student number each HLI. self-administered questionnaire collect health education, activity, behaviour STI knowledge.</ns4:p><ns4:p> <ns4:bold>Results</ns4:bold></ns4:p><ns4:p> Total 504students were with mean age 21.5(SD 1.74)years. 446(88.5%) reported ever having had sex. Mean-age first sex 18.4years 9.9% debut <ns4:underline>&lt;</ns4:underline>15years. A proportion male students(57%) non-steady partners than females(37.9%). Lack condom use by 52% participants. Consistent during past 4-weeks 33% 16.5% males females, respectively. About 1 10 forced someone dating. Sex under influence alcohol 24% students. Nearly 8 (78.7%) have heard STIs, but only 16% aware STIs can asymptomatic. </ns4:p><ns4:p> <ns4:bold>Conclusion</ns4:bold></ns4:p><ns4:p> prevention programs need recognize at-risk population; advocate targeted messages minimize acquiring counseling support those experiencing violence, promote safer-sex negotiation skills.</ns4:p>