STIs and Unplanned Pregnancies Risk Perceptions Among Female Students in Tertiary Institutions in Zimbabwe

Toweka Andrea; Moyo Stanzia; Mhloyi Marvellous; Makochekanwa Albert; Mandizadza Enock

doi:doi:10.11648/j.ijhpebs.20210702.13

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STIs and Unplanned Pregnancies Risk Perceptions Among Female Students in Tertiary Institutions in Zimbabwe

Toweka Andrea, Moyo Stanzia, Mhloyi Marvellous, Makochekanwa Albert, Mandizadza Enock

Published in International Journal of HIV/AIDS Prevention, Education and Behavioural Science (Volume 7, Issue 2)

Received: 19 May 2021 Accepted: 15 June 2021 Published: 30 October 2021

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Abstract

Personal risk perception of getting pregnant, contracting STIs and HIV has been a topical issue because of its association with risky sexual behaviours. Yet little is known about the risk perception of getting pregnant, contracting STIs and HIV among female students at the University of Zimbabwe and Chinhoyi University of Technology. The study triangulated quantitative and qualitative research methods. A survey with 770 female students was used to quantify the female students’ sexual practice. Eight face-to-face in-depth interviews were conducted using an in-depth interview guide, and eight face-to-face focus group discussions were conducted using a focus group discussion guide. The study revealed that the risk perception of getting pregnant was high, 94%, across universities although variations were noted, 97% at UZ and 88% at CUT. The risk of contracting STIs was also high in both universities, 88%, however it was high at UZ, 89% than 85% at CUT. The risk perception of contracting HIV infection was also high, 86%, across universities although marginal variations were noted, 87% at CUT and 85% at UZ. Qualitative results revealed that female students acknowledged the risks due to their own sexual behaviours, partner refusing to use condoms, and conducting sex parties. The study recommends that information on the dangers of reproductive health problems should be disseminated to students. There is need to encourage students to effectively and consistently use contraceptives.

Published in	International Journal of HIV/AIDS Prevention, Education and Behavioural Science (Volume 7, Issue 2)
DOI	10.11648/j.ijhpebs.20210702.13
Page(s)	66-74
Creative Commons	This is an Open Access article, distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted use, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, provided the original work is properly cited.
Copyright	Copyright © The Author(s), 2024. Published by Science Publishing Group

Keywords

Sexually Transmitted Infections, Pregnancy, Contraceptives

References

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[2]	Njeri, W. M, 2016, ‘Determinants of students’ uptake of reproductive health services targeting high risk sexual behavior in Kenyatta University’, Nairobi County, Kenya. Kenyatta University.
[3]	Chebitok, B, 2017, ‘Knowledge of Contraceptives, Attitudes towards Contraceptive Use, and Perceptions of Sexual Risk among Female Students at a South African University’ Contraception, vol. 14, no. 6, pp. 675-723.
[4]	Ajmal, F, Agha, A, and Karim, M. S, 2018, ‘Knowledge, Attitudes and Risky Sexual Behaviour among Female Students at a South African University’, Gender and Behaviour vol. 12, no. 3, pp. 6035-6044.
[5]	Pavilah, H. R 2018, ‘Female Students’ Beliefs about Sexually Transmitted Infections,’ The Health Education Monograph Series, vol. 24, no. 2, pp. 1-8.
[6]	Ajayi, IA and Somefun, O. D 2019, ‘Transactional Sex among Female Students in Nigeria’, The Role of Family Structure and Family Support, vol. 15, no. 6, pp 23-38.
[7]	Ajayi, I. A 2018, ‘Awareness, Use and Barriers to Family Planning Services among Female Students in Nigeria,’ Family Planning, vol, 2, no. 6, pp 23-58.
[8]	Bandura, A, 1994, ‘Social cognitive theory and exercise of control over HIV infection. Preventing AIDS’: theories and methods of behavioral interventions. Edited by: DiClementee RJ, Peterson JL. New York: Plenum Press.
[9]	Fishbein M, and Cappell, a J 2006, ‘The role of theory in developing effective health communications’. J Commun., 56 (Supplement): S1-S7.
[10]	Hollander, D, 2001, ‘Perceptions of peer behavior predict whether Peruvian adolescents have had sex’. Family Planning Perspective., 27 (3): 154-161. 10.2307/2673839.
[11]	Nsubuga, H, Sekandi, JN, Sempeera, H, and Makumbi, F. E 2017, ‘Contraceptive Use, Knowledge, Attitudes, Perceptions and Sexual Behaviour among Female University Students in Uganda,’ A Cross-sectional Survey, BMC Women's Health vol. 16, no. 6, pp. 1–11.
[12]	Adeniyi, B. N 2018, ‘Factors Affecting Awareness of Emergency Contraception among College Students in Kathmandu’, BMC Women’s Health, vol. 5, no. 4, pp. 9: 27.
[13]	Nyasulu, P.; Fredericks, M.; Basera, T. J. 2018, ‘Broomhead, S. Knowledge and risk perception of sexually transmitted infections and relevant health care services among students in the Platfontein San community’, Northern Cape Province, South Africa. Health Med, 9, 189–197.
[14]	Rohrbach, L. A.; Donatello, R. A.; Moulton, B. D.; Afifi, A. A.; Meyer, K. I.; De Rosa, C. J, 2019, ‘Effectiveness evaluation of it’s your game: Keep it real, a middle school HIV/sexually transmitted infection/pregnancy prevention program’. J. Reproductive Health, 64, 382–389.
[15]	Zizza, A.; Guido, M.; Recchia, V.; Grima, P.; Banchelli, F.; Tinelli, A, 2021, ‘Knowledge, Information Needs and Risk Perception about HIV and Sexually Transmitted Diseases after an Education Intervention on Italian University Students’. Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 18, 2069. https:// doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18042069.

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APA Style

Toweka Andrea, Moyo Stanzia, Mhloyi Marvellous, Makochekanwa Albert, Mandizadza Enock. (2021). STIs and Unplanned Pregnancies Risk Perceptions Among Female Students in Tertiary Institutions in Zimbabwe. International Journal of HIV/AIDS Prevention, Education and Behavioural Science, 7(2), 66-74. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijhpebs.20210702.13

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ACS Style

Toweka Andrea; Moyo Stanzia; Mhloyi Marvellous; Makochekanwa Albert; Mandizadza Enock. STIs and Unplanned Pregnancies Risk Perceptions Among Female Students in Tertiary Institutions in Zimbabwe. Int. J. HIV/AIDS Prev. Educ. Behav. Sci. 2021, 7(2), 66-74. doi: 10.11648/j.ijhpebs.20210702.13

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AMA Style

Toweka Andrea, Moyo Stanzia, Mhloyi Marvellous, Makochekanwa Albert, Mandizadza Enock. STIs and Unplanned Pregnancies Risk Perceptions Among Female Students in Tertiary Institutions in Zimbabwe. Int J HIV/AIDS Prev Educ Behav Sci. 2021;7(2):66-74. doi: 10.11648/j.ijhpebs.20210702.13

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@article{10.11648/j.ijhpebs.20210702.13,
  author = {Toweka Andrea and Moyo Stanzia and Mhloyi Marvellous and Makochekanwa Albert and Mandizadza Enock},
  title = {STIs and Unplanned Pregnancies Risk Perceptions Among Female Students in Tertiary Institutions in Zimbabwe},
  journal = {International Journal of HIV/AIDS Prevention, Education and Behavioural Science},
  volume = {7},
  number = {2},
  pages = {66-74},
  doi = {10.11648/j.ijhpebs.20210702.13},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijhpebs.20210702.13},
  eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.ijhpebs.20210702.13},
  abstract = {Personal risk perception of getting pregnant, contracting STIs and HIV has been a topical issue because of its association with risky sexual behaviours. Yet little is known about the risk perception of getting pregnant, contracting STIs and HIV among female students at the University of Zimbabwe and Chinhoyi University of Technology. The study triangulated quantitative and qualitative research methods. A survey with 770 female students was used to quantify the female students’ sexual practice. Eight face-to-face in-depth interviews were conducted using an in-depth interview guide, and eight face-to-face focus group discussions were conducted using a focus group discussion guide. The study revealed that the risk perception of getting pregnant was high, 94%, across universities although variations were noted, 97% at UZ and 88% at CUT. The risk of contracting STIs was also high in both universities, 88%, however it was high at UZ, 89% than 85% at CUT. The risk perception of contracting HIV infection was also high, 86%, across universities although marginal variations were noted, 87% at CUT and 85% at UZ. Qualitative results revealed that female students acknowledged the risks due to their own sexual behaviours, partner refusing to use condoms, and conducting sex parties. The study recommends that information on the dangers of reproductive health problems should be disseminated to students. There is need to encourage students to effectively and consistently use contraceptives.},
 year = {2021}
}

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TY  - JOUR
T1  - STIs and Unplanned Pregnancies Risk Perceptions Among Female Students in Tertiary Institutions in Zimbabwe
AU  - Toweka Andrea
AU  - Moyo Stanzia
AU  - Mhloyi Marvellous
AU  - Makochekanwa Albert
AU  - Mandizadza Enock
Y1  - 2021/10/30
PY  - 2021
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DO  - 10.11648/j.ijhpebs.20210702.13
T2  - International Journal of HIV/AIDS Prevention, Education and Behavioural Science
JF  - International Journal of HIV/AIDS Prevention, Education and Behavioural Science
JO  - International Journal of HIV/AIDS Prevention, Education and Behavioural Science
SP  - 66
EP  - 74
PB  - Science Publishing Group
SN  - 2575-5765
UR  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijhpebs.20210702.13
AB  - Personal risk perception of getting pregnant, contracting STIs and HIV has been a topical issue because of its association with risky sexual behaviours. Yet little is known about the risk perception of getting pregnant, contracting STIs and HIV among female students at the University of Zimbabwe and Chinhoyi University of Technology. The study triangulated quantitative and qualitative research methods. A survey with 770 female students was used to quantify the female students’ sexual practice. Eight face-to-face in-depth interviews were conducted using an in-depth interview guide, and eight face-to-face focus group discussions were conducted using a focus group discussion guide. The study revealed that the risk perception of getting pregnant was high, 94%, across universities although variations were noted, 97% at UZ and 88% at CUT. The risk of contracting STIs was also high in both universities, 88%, however it was high at UZ, 89% than 85% at CUT. The risk perception of contracting HIV infection was also high, 86%, across universities although marginal variations were noted, 87% at CUT and 85% at UZ. Qualitative results revealed that female students acknowledged the risks due to their own sexual behaviours, partner refusing to use condoms, and conducting sex parties. The study recommends that information on the dangers of reproductive health problems should be disseminated to students. There is need to encourage students to effectively and consistently use contraceptives.
VL  - 7
IS  - 2
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Author Information

Toweka Andrea

Center for Populations Studies, Faculty of Social Studies, University of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe
Moyo Stanzia

Center for Populations Studies, Faculty of Social Studies, University of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe
Mhloyi Marvellous

Center for Populations Studies, Faculty of Social Studies, University of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe
Makochekanwa Albert

Department of Economics, Faculty of Social Studies, University of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe
Mandizadza Enock

Department of Sociology, Faculty of Social Studies, University of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe

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APA Style

Toweka Andrea, Moyo Stanzia, Mhloyi Marvellous, Makochekanwa Albert, Mandizadza Enock. (2021). STIs and Unplanned Pregnancies Risk Perceptions Among Female Students in Tertiary Institutions in Zimbabwe. International Journal of HIV/AIDS Prevention, Education and Behavioural Science, 7(2), 66-74. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijhpebs.20210702.13

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ACS Style

Toweka Andrea; Moyo Stanzia; Mhloyi Marvellous; Makochekanwa Albert; Mandizadza Enock. STIs and Unplanned Pregnancies Risk Perceptions Among Female Students in Tertiary Institutions in Zimbabwe. Int. J. HIV/AIDS Prev. Educ. Behav. Sci. 2021, 7(2), 66-74. doi: 10.11648/j.ijhpebs.20210702.13

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AMA Style

Toweka Andrea, Moyo Stanzia, Mhloyi Marvellous, Makochekanwa Albert, Mandizadza Enock. STIs and Unplanned Pregnancies Risk Perceptions Among Female Students in Tertiary Institutions in Zimbabwe. Int J HIV/AIDS Prev Educ Behav Sci. 2021;7(2):66-74. doi: 10.11648/j.ijhpebs.20210702.13

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@article{10.11648/j.ijhpebs.20210702.13,
  author = {Toweka Andrea and Moyo Stanzia and Mhloyi Marvellous and Makochekanwa Albert and Mandizadza Enock},
  title = {STIs and Unplanned Pregnancies Risk Perceptions Among Female Students in Tertiary Institutions in Zimbabwe},
  journal = {International Journal of HIV/AIDS Prevention, Education and Behavioural Science},
  volume = {7},
  number = {2},
  pages = {66-74},
  doi = {10.11648/j.ijhpebs.20210702.13},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijhpebs.20210702.13},
  eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.ijhpebs.20210702.13},
  abstract = {Personal risk perception of getting pregnant, contracting STIs and HIV has been a topical issue because of its association with risky sexual behaviours. Yet little is known about the risk perception of getting pregnant, contracting STIs and HIV among female students at the University of Zimbabwe and Chinhoyi University of Technology. The study triangulated quantitative and qualitative research methods. A survey with 770 female students was used to quantify the female students’ sexual practice. Eight face-to-face in-depth interviews were conducted using an in-depth interview guide, and eight face-to-face focus group discussions were conducted using a focus group discussion guide. The study revealed that the risk perception of getting pregnant was high, 94%, across universities although variations were noted, 97% at UZ and 88% at CUT. The risk of contracting STIs was also high in both universities, 88%, however it was high at UZ, 89% than 85% at CUT. The risk perception of contracting HIV infection was also high, 86%, across universities although marginal variations were noted, 87% at CUT and 85% at UZ. Qualitative results revealed that female students acknowledged the risks due to their own sexual behaviours, partner refusing to use condoms, and conducting sex parties. The study recommends that information on the dangers of reproductive health problems should be disseminated to students. There is need to encourage students to effectively and consistently use contraceptives.},
 year = {2021}
}

Copy | Download

TY  - JOUR
T1  - STIs and Unplanned Pregnancies Risk Perceptions Among Female Students in Tertiary Institutions in Zimbabwe
AU  - Toweka Andrea
AU  - Moyo Stanzia
AU  - Mhloyi Marvellous
AU  - Makochekanwa Albert
AU  - Mandizadza Enock
Y1  - 2021/10/30
PY  - 2021
N1  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijhpebs.20210702.13
DO  - 10.11648/j.ijhpebs.20210702.13
T2  - International Journal of HIV/AIDS Prevention, Education and Behavioural Science
JF  - International Journal of HIV/AIDS Prevention, Education and Behavioural Science
JO  - International Journal of HIV/AIDS Prevention, Education and Behavioural Science
SP  - 66
EP  - 74
PB  - Science Publishing Group
SN  - 2575-5765
UR  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijhpebs.20210702.13
AB  - Personal risk perception of getting pregnant, contracting STIs and HIV has been a topical issue because of its association with risky sexual behaviours. Yet little is known about the risk perception of getting pregnant, contracting STIs and HIV among female students at the University of Zimbabwe and Chinhoyi University of Technology. The study triangulated quantitative and qualitative research methods. A survey with 770 female students was used to quantify the female students’ sexual practice. Eight face-to-face in-depth interviews were conducted using an in-depth interview guide, and eight face-to-face focus group discussions were conducted using a focus group discussion guide. The study revealed that the risk perception of getting pregnant was high, 94%, across universities although variations were noted, 97% at UZ and 88% at CUT. The risk of contracting STIs was also high in both universities, 88%, however it was high at UZ, 89% than 85% at CUT. The risk perception of contracting HIV infection was also high, 86%, across universities although marginal variations were noted, 87% at CUT and 85% at UZ. Qualitative results revealed that female students acknowledged the risks due to their own sexual behaviours, partner refusing to use condoms, and conducting sex parties. The study recommends that information on the dangers of reproductive health problems should be disseminated to students. There is need to encourage students to effectively and consistently use contraceptives.
VL  - 7
IS  - 2
ER  -

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