Sexual and Reproductive Health knowledge, Attitudes and Practices as Determinants of Risky Sexual Behaviours Among Undergraduates of Taraba State University, Jalingo, Nigeria

Abstract

ABSTRACT

Risky Sexual Behaviour among Undergraduates remain a major Public Health concern because of its association with poor Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) outcomes. This study examined SRH knowledge, attitudes, and practices as determinants of risky sexual behaviours among undergraduates of Taraba State University. A descriptive cross-sectional survey research design was adopted. A sample size of 395 respondents were selected from Undergraduates of Taraba State University using a multistage sampling technique. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire designed based on the Knowledge, Attitude and Practice (KAP) scale. Pearson Product Moment Correlation and independent sample t-test were used to test the hypotheses at 0.05 level of significance. The findings revealed that 56.5% of respondents had moderate SRH knowledge, positive SRH attitudes ( 56.2%) and moderate SRH practices (56.0%) while 43.8% engaged in moderate risky sexual behaviours, while 25.3% engaged in high-risk sexual behaviours. Statistical analysis revealed that SRH knowledge had a significant negative relationship with risky sexual behaviour (r = -0.761, p < 0.05). However, SRH attitudes (r = 0.010, p > 0.05) and practices (r = 0.057, p > 0.05) had no significant relationship with risky sexual behaviour. Gender also had no significant influence on risky sexual behaviour (t = -0.024, p > 0.05). The study concluded that improving SRH knowledge is essential for reducing risky sexual behaviours among undergraduates, attitudes, and recommended strengthening SRH education, improving access to youth-friendly health services, and implementing behavioural interventions to reduce risky sexual behaviours among university students.