Understanding HIV/AIDS and STIs as Related to Sexually Risky Behaviour by Higher Education Institutions Students: A Literature Review

Abstract

Basic knowledge about the spread of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and safe sexual practices has a critical impact on prevention of the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) and other associated STDIs. The problem among students at higher education institutions (HEIs) is that they are a high risk group for contracting HIV/AIDS and STIs due to uninformed decisions that they make. This study aimed to explore the knowledge and attitudes of higher education students towards HIV/AIDS, sexual transmitted infections (STIs) as related to their sexually risky behaviour. This literature review revealed that most students engage in unprotected sex and that some students fear taking an HIV test. Since young people are the future leaders, there is need to educate them about the consequences of unprotected sex. Our communities need to stand together and educate the young people about the dangers of having multiple partners and unprotected sex. Many of students have substantial knowledge about and positive attitudes towards the use of condoms in preventing STIs, HIV infection and even pregnancy. There is enough evidence that alcohol abuse significantly contribute to inconsistency in condom use by students.

DOI: 10.5901/mjss.2014.v5n14p380