Sexual Risk Practices of Undergraduate University Students in the Niger Delta Region of Nigeria: Implications for Planning Interventions

Aim: To evaluate the sexual practices of undergraduate university students in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria in order to provide evidence for appropriate interventions.

Study Design: A multi-stage random sampling design and stratified sampling proportionate to size was used to select study participants.

Place and Duration of Study: The study was carried out in four out of the 18 public universities in the region between October and December 2013.

Methodology: An anonymous questionnaire was administered to 828 students selected from four faculties and eight departments of the universities. Married students and those from departments of medical and health sciences were excluded. Data was analyzed using Epi Info ver. 6.04d software package. The Chi-square test was performed at 95% confidence level and p-value set at P=.05.

Results: A total of 391(47.2%) males and 437 (52.8%) females participated in the study. The majority of the students 444(53.6%) were in sexual relationships: 150 (33.8%) males and 294 (66.2%) females. Of these, 358 (80.6%) had had an HIV test and knew their HIV status: males 125 (34.9%) and females 233 (65.1%), but only 280(63.1%) had knowledge of the HIV status of their sexual partners: males 93(33.2%) and females 187 (66.8%). More females than males knew their HIV status and those of their sex partners (p=.00). Similarly, only 216(48.6%) used condoms in their last casual sex, while only 145(32.7%) used condoms consistently with a non-regular partner: males 71(49.0%) and females 74(51.0%) respectively. Finally, less than half of the students 216(48.6%) were consistent with safer sex negotiation with their partners.

Conclusion: The study highlights the occurrence of high sexual risk behaviours among undergraduate university students. We advocate the inclusion of sexuality education in the General Studies curriculum for students and the provision of accessible Sexually Transmitted Infection services through youth-friendly channels, like Youth Friendly Centres.