title: Perception of susceptibility to the negative outcomes associated with unprotected sex among University of Venda students.
abstract: Objectives : The purpose of this study was to determine the perception of University of Venda students on their susceptibility to the negative outcomes associated with unprotected sex. Methods : This cross sectional study involved 408 (206 females and 202 males) University of Venda students residing within the university campus. Simple and systematic sampling methods were used to select participants. A 4-likert scaled self-administered questionnaire was used for data collection and a cut-off point of 75% of the total scores was used as criteria for assessing perception. Results : Majority (90.90%) of the participants understood the magnitude and problems posed by HIV and other sexually transmitted infection in the society, 94.60% believe that anyone can be infected with HIV or fall pregnant when exposed to unprotected sex. Majority (87.30%) believed that alcohol consumption while engaging in sexual activities increases the chances of being infected with HIV, other STI or falling pregnant, 92.40% believed that having multiple sexual partnerships increases the risk of being infected with HIV and other sexually transmitted infections. Eighty six percent of participants agreed or strongly agreed that pregnancy could occur with one sexual intercourse in a month and only 68.45% of the participants believed that practising oral sex could expose them to HIV infection (with no significant difference between male and female). Conclusion : Majority of the students showed high perception regarding their susceptibility to the negative outcomes associated with unprotected sex, especially when they consume alcohol while engaging in sexual activities and when having multiple sexual partnerships. Contrastingly, the students demonstrated low perception regarding susceptibility to HIV transmission through the practice of oral sex. There is a need to create awareness on the dangers posed by the practise of oral sex.
authors.affiliation: Felix Chima Anyanwu, Department of Public Health, University of Venda, Thohoyandou, South Africa.
authors.forename: Felix
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Chima Anyanwu
authors.affiliation: Daniel Ter Goon, Centre for Biokinetics, Recreation and Sport Science, University of Venda, Thohoyandou, South Africa.
authors.forename: Daniel
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Ter Goon
authors.affiliation: Augustine Tugli, Department of Public Health, University of Venda, Thohoyandou, South Africa.
authors.forename: Augustine
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Tugli
authors.affiliation: Abiodun Olukoga, Department of Public Health, University of Venda, Thohoyandou, South Africa.
authors.forename: Abiodun
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Olukoga
authors.affiliation: Lateef O Amusa, Centre for Biokinetics, Recreation and Sport Science, University of Venda, Thohoyandou, South Africa.
authors.forename: Lateef
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: O Amusa
authors.affiliation: Lizzy Department of Advanced Nursing, University of Venda, Thohoyandou, South Africa.
authors.forename: M Lizzy
authors.initials: ML
authors.lastname: Netshikweta
authors.affiliation: Babajide Department of Public Health, University of Venda, Thohoyandou, South Africa.
authors.forename: Babajide
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Ajao
keywords: Negative outcomes; Perception; Susceptibility; Unprotected sex