Behavioural Factors That Contribute to the Risk of Hiv Infection Among College Students: the Case of Co-operative College of Kenya
Abstract
This study investigated the behavioural factors that contribute to the risk of HIV infection
among Co-operative College of Kenya students. Factors in the social life of the students,
the college environment and its neighbourhood that could encourage students to engage in
risky sexual behaviour were explored. The study unlocked factors that are affecting sexual
behaviour change even when majority of the students have information on HIV/ AIDS.
Gender dimensions of sexual behaviour were also looked at.
The study subjects consisted of 132 students who were selected using random systematic
sampling and 5 key informants who were purposefully selected from among members of
staff due to their interaction with students. A questionnaire with closed and open ended
questions and key informant guide were the major methods used to generate data for this
study. Quantitative data was then anal~zed using SPSS while thematic and content
analysis was used to analyze qualitative data,
From the findings, it was revealed that HlV / AIDS knowledge alone is not effective in
sustaining behaviour change among-students. Peer pressure, drug abuse and the media
were identified as some of the factors that contribute to HIV infection risk among students.
Overall the study recommends strategies that should be applied for students to adopt less
risky sexual behaviours. The 'recommendations made are useful to the college AIDS
Control Unit, Educational policy researchers, gender practitioners, National Aids Control
Council and future researchers.
Citation
Master Of Arts In Gender And Development StudiesPublisher
University of Nairobi Institute Of Anthropology, Gender And African Studies,