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A Comparative Analysis of Risky Sexual Behaviors, Self-Reported Sexually Transmitted Infections, Knowledge of Symptoms and Partner Notification Practices among Male and Female University Students in Pretoria, South Africa

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  • Mathildah Mpata Mokgatle

    (Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Ga-Rankuwa 0208, South Africa)

  • Sphiwe Madiba

    (Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, School of Public Health, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Ga-Rankuwa 0208, South Africa)

  • Lindiwe Cele

    (Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Ga-Rankuwa 0208, South Africa)

Abstract

The surge of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among young people is of public health importance, and the notification and treatment of sex partners after the diagnosis of an STI is a public health approach to prevent and reduce further transmissions. There are limited studies that investigate partner notification among young people in general, and university students in South Africa in particular. We investigated self-reported STIs and partner notification practice, intentions, and preferences among university students. We also assessed their STI knowledge and risky sexual behaviour in relation to STIs. The study was a descriptive cross-sectional survey that used multistage sampling to select 918 students across the five schools of a health sciences university in South Africa. Descriptive statistics and bivariate logistic analysis were performed using Stata IC version 16. More males (54.1%) than females were currently in a sexual relationship (47.3%), more males reported multiple sexual partners ( n = 114, 46%), engaged in transactional sex ( n = 13, 5.3%), and had one-night stands ( n = 68, 28.1%) in the past 12 months ( p = 0.001). Moreover, half (55.9%) had poor knowledge of STIs with an overall mean knowledge score of 2.9 ± 2.0, and the majority (85.8%) perceived themselves to be at low risk of acquiring STIs. The odds of intentions to disclose an STI infection to a sexual partner and delivering a partner notification slip to ex-sexual partners were not statistically significant ( p = 0.95; p = 0.10), with the likelihood of disclosure being 1.3 times for female students compared to males. Female students were 1.5 times as likely to prefer a doctor to send an SMS notification to their sexual partners ( p = 0.02) compared to their male counterparts, while the preference of an SMS notification was 41% ( p = 0.03) among female students. Students engaged in risky behaviours but had a low perception of the risks of acquiring STIs. Although they had preferences of different methods of partner notification, both male and female students preferred SMS partner notifications from a doctor, even though women were in the majority. Health care providers should put in place interventions so that young people can safely inform their partners about STIs.

Suggested Citation

  • Mathildah Mpata Mokgatle & Sphiwe Madiba & Lindiwe Cele, 2021. "A Comparative Analysis of Risky Sexual Behaviors, Self-Reported Sexually Transmitted Infections, Knowledge of Symptoms and Partner Notification Practices among Male and Female University Students in P," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(11), pages 1-14, May.
  • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:18:y:2021:i:11:p:5660-:d:562054
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Adigun Temiloluwa Folasayo & Afolayan John Oluwasegun & Suhailah Samsudin & Siti Nor Sakinah Saudi & Malina Osman & Rukman Awang Hamat, 2017. "Assessing the Knowledge Level, Attitudes, Risky Behaviors and Preventive Practices on Sexually Transmitted Diseases among University Students as Future Healthcare Providers in the Central Zone of Mala," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 14(2), pages 1-14, February.
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    Cited by:

    1. Onai Diura-Vere & Mathildah M. Mokgatle & Oluwafemi O. Oguntibeju, 2023. "Sexual Behaviour and Attitudes towards Safe Sex of Youth Receiving Antiretroviral Care at Public Health Facilities in Palapye District, Botswana," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(5), pages 1-20, February.
    2. Mimi Eve Teffo & Mathildah Mpata Mokgatle, 2023. "Assessing Condom Use and Views on HIV Counselling and Testing among TVET College Students in Limpopo Province, South Africa," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(11), pages 1-12, June.

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