Assessment of Risk Behaviors for HIV Infection among Undergraduate Students at a Historically Black University

Aims: This study aimed to assess and compare risk behaviors for HIV Infection among undergraduate students by gender at a historically black university.

Study Design: A cross-sectional survey.

Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted from January 10, 2016 to September 30, 2016. Participants were selected through convenience sampling among undergraduate students of Jackson State University (JSU).

Methodology: Sample: We included 400 undergraduate students (141 males, 259 females; age range 18-57 years). Data were collected using a validated self-administered standardized questionnaire that was designed to measure their risk behaviors for HIV Infection.

Results: Over seventy five percent of undergraduate students in this study have had at least one risk behavior related to HIV infection transmission. The engagement of these students in HIV sexual risk behaviors were not varied by gender (Chi-square test = 2.76; P = 0.1). However, participants engaged in various risk behaviors related to HIV infection transmission such as multiple sexual partners, unprotected sexual intercourse, low and inconsistent condom use.

Conclusion: We concluded that about 75.8% of the students have had at least one risk behavior related to HIV infection and engaged in various risk behaviors related to HIV infection transmission. The engagement of these students in HIV sexual risk behaviors were not varied by gender. This investigation calls for sustained effective youth appealing interventions tailored toward addressing various risk behaviors identified in this study.