HIV/AIDS information and changing sexual behaviour among undergraduate students in Tanzania

摘要

Purpose - This paper aims to investigate the level of HTV/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 HTV/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 HTV/AIDS information among Tanzanian undergraduates is under-investigated. This paper helps to fill some of the gaps in the research.