HIV/AIDS information and changing sexual behaviour among undergraduate students in Tanzania
No Thumbnail Available
Date
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Abstract
Description
Research Article published by Emerald Group Publishing Limited Vol. 64 No. 5, 2012
Purpose – This paper aims to investigate the level of HIV/AIDS information among undergraduate students at two university colleges in Tanzania, and its role in changing risky sexual behaviour. Design/methodology/approach – In total, 151 undergraduate students from Kilimanjaro Christian Medical College and Moshi University College of Cooperative and Business Studies were surveyed by means of a questionnaire. Findings – Of respondents 86 per cent were aware of the pandemic and its modes of transmission. The main sources of information were books, journals, magazines, television, internet, DVD/CD, radio and research reports. A total of 32 per cent reported having tested for HIV/AIDS; 40 per cent use condoms during sexual intercourse. Among condom users 63 per cent used them consistently. Factors hindering the use of HIV/AIDS information include the time spent on studies, the unavailability of the information, and the religious, cultural and family background of respondents. Research limitations/implications – In a country with over 30 university and university colleges, generalization is not possible on the basis of research restricted to a small number. Practical implications – Universities should establish partnerships and networks with various stakeholders to ensure access to HIV/AIDS information and to share experiences. Originality/value – The level of HIV/AIDS information among Tanzanian undergraduates is under-investigated. This paper helps to fill some of the gaps in the research.
Purpose – This paper aims to investigate the level of HIV/AIDS information among undergraduate students at two university colleges in Tanzania, and its role in changing risky sexual behaviour. Design/methodology/approach – In total, 151 undergraduate students from Kilimanjaro Christian Medical College and Moshi University College of Cooperative and Business Studies were surveyed by means of a questionnaire. Findings – Of respondents 86 per cent were aware of the pandemic and its modes of transmission. The main sources of information were books, journals, magazines, television, internet, DVD/CD, radio and research reports. A total of 32 per cent reported having tested for HIV/AIDS; 40 per cent use condoms during sexual intercourse. Among condom users 63 per cent used them consistently. Factors hindering the use of HIV/AIDS information include the time spent on studies, the unavailability of the information, and the religious, cultural and family background of respondents. Research limitations/implications – In a country with over 30 university and university colleges, generalization is not possible on the basis of research restricted to a small number. Practical implications – Universities should establish partnerships and networks with various stakeholders to ensure access to HIV/AIDS information and to share experiences. Originality/value – The level of HIV/AIDS information among Tanzanian undergraduates is under-investigated. This paper helps to fill some of the gaps in the research.
Keywords
HIV/AIDS information, Communicable diseases