ABSTRACT
The purpose of this study was to determine the perception of University of Venda students on their susceptibility to the negative outcomes associated with unprotected sex. This cross sectional study involved 408 [206 females and 202 males] University of Venda students residing within the university campus. Simple and systematic sampling methods were used to select participants. A 4-likert scaled self-administered questionnaire was used for data collection and a cut-off point of 75% of the total scores was used as criteria for assessing perception. Majority [90.90%] of the participants understood the magnitude and problems posed by HIV and other sexually transmitted infection in the society, 94.60% believe that anyone can be infected with HIV or fall pregnant when exposed to unprotected sex. Majority [87.30%] believed that alcohol consumption while engaging in sexual activities increases the chances of being infected with HIV, other STI or falling pregnant, 92.40% believed that having multiple sexual partnerships increases the risk of being infected with HIV and other sexually transmitted infections. Eighty six percent of participants agreed or strongly agreed that pregnancy could occur with one sexual intercourse in a month and only 68.45% of the participants believed that practising oral sex could expose them to HIV infection [with no significant difference between male and female]. Majority of the students showed high perception regarding their susceptibility to the negative outcomes associated with unprotected sex, especially when they consume alcohol while engaging in sexual activities and when having multiple sexual partnerships. Contrastingly, the students demonstrated low perception regarding susceptibility to HIV transmission through the practice of oral sex. There is a need to create awareness on the dangers posed by the practise of oral sex
ABSTRACT
The purpose of this study was to examine the perception of University students regarding the severity of unwanted pregnancy. This cross sectional study involved 408 [206 females and 202 males] students residing within the university campus. Simple and systematic sampling methods were used to select participants. A 4-likert scaled self-administered questionnaire was used for data collection. Majority [87.70%] of participants perceived unwanted pregnancy as leading to impaired mental health; 86.30% perceived it as a cause of many other health problems; 86.60% believed it could result to shame and withdrawal from society or even suicidal attempts; and child neglect and abandonment [84.80%]. Using the cut-off points of 75% of the total scores as a criteria for assessing perception, fewer [60.30%] participants perceived unwanted pregnancy as preventing a girl from continuing with her education; insufficient money to provide for both mother and child [74.50%] and leading to higher risk of substance abuse and problem behaviour among children born from unwanted pregnancies [51.20%]. Females students strongly agreed that unwanted pregnancy could lead to shame and withdrawal from the society compared to their male counterparts [Chi-square = 10.788, p = 0.013]. Few students at the University of Venda perceived unwanted pregnancy as being severe enough and associated with truncated education, poverty for the young mother, and increased risk of problem behaviours. Thus, intervention strategies should be instituted to prevent unwanted pregnancies among the students