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.