Issue

Vol. 12 No. 1 (2023)

HIV/AIDS-related Knowledge, Attitude and Sexual Behaviours Among Undergraduate Students at the Dar es Salaam University College of Education, Tanzania

https://doi.org/10.56279/jhss.v12i1.302
Stephen Maluka
Dar es Salaam University College of Education University of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

Corresponding Author(s) : Stephen Maluka

stephenmaluka@yahoo.co.uk

Journal of Humanities & Social Science (JHSS), Vol. 12 No. 1 (2023)

Abstract

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is among the major public health problems
facing the world today. While studies have assessed HIV-related knowledge, attitudes
and behaviours among college students, evidence shows that HIV prevalence among
the youth has been growing at an alarming rate in the past five years. Thus, there is
need for more studies to assess young people’s knowledge, attitudes and behaviours
on HIV/AIDS in higher learning institutions. This study aimed to assess HIV-related
knowledge, sexual attitudes and behaviours, as well as the use of HIV prevention
services among students at the Dar es Salaam College of Education (DUCE), in
Tanzania. The study sample included 574 undergraduate students at the DUCE who
were randomly selected to participate in the study. Quantitative approach was used
to assess knowledge, attitudes and practices of the students on HIV/AIDS. The
knowledge level about HIV/AIDS among students was found to be generally high.
Nevertheless, misconceptions about the routes of its transmission were found.
Attitudes towards various issues related to HIV/AIDS were generally positive among
the majority of students. Regarding sexual behaviours, the majority of the students
were characteristically risky. For example, the absolute majority of the students
(85.9%) had sexual partners during this survey. Specifically, two-thirds (61.0%) had one
sexual partner, while 30.8% had had multiple partners in the past 12 months
preceding the study. Moreover, the vast majority (87.7%) had engaged in sexual
intercourse, 65.0% had had sex with one partner; while 35% had had sex with more
than one partner in the past 12 months. More than half (51.1%) did not use condoms
during the last sexual intercourse. The study concludes that DUCE undergraduate
students were at a high risk of HIV infections based on various risk indicators that
need attention in terms of intervention. This study provides evidence for the design
of HIV prevention programmes tailored to the preferences and characteristics of
undergraduate students in Tanzania, and in similar contexts.

Received: 1
st March 2023; Accepted: 12th April 2023; Revised: 19th May 202

Keywords

HIV/AIDS; knowledge; attitudes; sexual behaviours; risk factors.
HIV/AIDS-related Knowledge, Attitude and Sexual Behaviours Among Undergraduate Students at the Dar es Salaam University College of Education, Tanzania. (2023). Journal of Humanities & Social Science (JHSS), 12(1). https://doi.org/10.56279/jhss.v12i1.302
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How to Cite

HIV/AIDS-related Knowledge, Attitude and Sexual Behaviours Among Undergraduate Students at the Dar es Salaam University College of Education, Tanzania. (2023). Journal of Humanities & Social Science (JHSS), 12(1). https://doi.org/10.56279/jhss.v12i1.302
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