Sexual behaviour and knowledge regarding sexually transmitted infections among undergraduate students in Durban, South Africa

Abstract

The objective of this cross-sectional study was to identify the sexual behavior and knowledge of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) amongst 752 undergraduate university students in South Africa, using self-administered questionnaires. More than half (>50%) reported presently being sexually active, the majority used contraceptives and especially used condoms. Almost a third of the sample, had multiple sexual partners, and more than a quarter of them reported to have sex under the influence of alcohol. Students’ knowledge regarding STIs was unsatisfactory, indicating the need to modify social and educational activities, to improve the understanding of the consequences of STIs and HIV and minimizing the associated risks.