Knowledge, attitudes and practices [KAP] regarding sexuality, sexual behaviors and contraceptives among college/ university students in Karachi, Pakistan

ABSTRACT

To assess the knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding sexuality, high risk sexual behaviors and methods of contraception, among college/university students of Karachi, Pakistan. Cross-sectional observational study. Higher Education Commission-recognized government and private colleges/ universities in Karachi from 2005-2006. two colleges/universities were randomly selected from each category i.e. government medical, government non-medical and private medical and non-medical colleges/universities. Three stage cluster sampling was employed to draw a representative sample of students. A self administered questionnaire was used to elicit information on knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding high risk sexual behaviors, methods of contraception and sources to obtain information about sexual issues. A total of 957 students were interviewed. They comprised 542 [56.6%] males and 415 [43.4%] females with mean age of 21 +/- 1.8 years. Bivariate analysis showed that students enrolled in medical colleges/ universities were less likely to watch adult films [O.R. 0.7, CI; 0.5-0.9] to acquire sex related knowledge and go out on dates [O.R.0.6, CI; 0.4-0.8]. Similarly, medical students were less likely to consider contraception as being against Islamic teachings [O.R. 0.7, CI; 0.5-0.9]. the curricula of non-medical studies at undergraduate level should include education regarding sexual health and contraception