Gender differences in university students' HIV/AIDS-related knowledge and sexual behaviours in Malawi: a pilot study

A cross-sectional study was conducted among first-year university students in Malawi to determine distributions of HIV/AIDSrelated knowledge; and sexual behaviours. A total of 314 (199 male and 115 female) students were eligible to participate; and of these 221 (70.4) participated in the survey. Generally; levels of HIV/AIDS-related knowledge were similar between sexes. Overall; 68.9of students of both sexes felt that they knew enough about HIV/AIDS. Altogether; 83.3of students reported that they knew where to access HIV testing on campus; but only 19.0reported that they knew their HIV status. Some 60.3of students who had never been tested intended to have an HIV test. A history of having ever been tested was not associated with sex. Most (68.4) students felt that they were not at risk of acquiring HIV infection. Overall; 66.8of students knew where to get a condom on campus; and 38.7stated that they knew exactly how to use it. About half (52.6) of the students used a condom at last vaginal sexual intercourse. Having multiple sex partners in the last 12 months was reported by 40.4of students

Socio-demographic Characteristics and Sexual Health Related Attitudes and Practices of Men Having Sex with Men in Central and Southern Malawi

An exploratory study of men having sex with men (MSM) was conducted in central and southern Malawi in order to understand their socio-demographic characteristics; sexual behaviours; and perceptions about confidentiality and stigma. A total of 97 men participated in the study of whom 84 (86.6) were in the age group 17-32 years. The majority; 73 (75.3) of MSM had never married; 26 (32.5) reported not always using condoms during sexual intercourse; and 23 (23.7) had ever received money or gifts in exchange of sex. Only 17 (17.5) of the participants reported being exposed to HIV prevention messages targeted at MSM. Fear of sexual orientation disclosure and discrimination were reported by 27 (30.7) of MSM. Many of the study participants reported that HIV intervention programmes are not accessible to them. In conclusion; HIV intervention programmes may not be reaching out to the majority of MSM. We suggest an exploration of the feasibility of HIV prevention interventions targeting MSM in this country where the practice is illegal