Influence of social media on risky sexual behaviours among undergraduate students: A Case of Egerton and Kabarak main campuses in Nakuru County, Kenya

Abstract

This study’s purpose was to assess the influence of social media on risky sexual behaviours among undergraduate students of main campuses in Nakuru County. Social Learning Theory by Albert Bandura and Person-Centred Theory by Carl Rogers guided the study. The study was carried out among 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th year undergraduate students from main campuses in Nakuru County. The study adopted a correlational research design. The target population was 18570 undergraduate students. The accessible population was 8456 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th year undergraduate students whose sample was 367. Simple random sampling technique was used to select the respondents. The study included a sample of 10 peer counsellors and 2 student counsellors from the Egerton University and Kabarak University main campuses who were selected through purposive sampling. Data were collected between November and December 2019 and obtained using questionnaire for undergraduate students, focus group discussions guide for peer counsellors and an interview schedule for student counsellors. Validation of research instruments was done through peer and expert review and also through pilot testing which was done in Mount Kenya University (MKU) - Nakuru Campus. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyse quantitative data using SPSS Version 25 whereas the qualitative data was analysed thematically. The analysed data was presented in tables, graphs, and narratives. The researcher considered the ethics of confidentiality and informed consent. The findings indicated that the majority of students perceive that it is not ok to watch pornography, send or receive sex messages to or from friends on social media. There is also sufficient evidence to conclude that the majority of students perceive that it is not their hobby to enjoy cybersex and do not perceive that online dating is the best way to get sexual partner.