Some Determinants of Factors Associated with HIV/AIDS Risk Behaviours Among University of Dodoma Students in Tanzania

Abstract

The paper examines whether variables of HIV/AIDS related knowledge, attitude and beliefs of Dodoma University students (UDOM) can predict practices which risk HIV infection.
A pre-designed questionnaire was administered in a sample of 547 (539 students and 8 staff members). Since variables involved were many and in many cases highly correlated and unobservable, data were analyzed using factor analysis. Multiple regression analysis were used to analyze factor scores obtained from factor analysis.
Based on responses of students to practice questions, two factors emerged and were labeled as sex with high risk persons and common risk sexual behavior. The common predictors in the Multiple Linear Regression (MLR) for sex with high risk persons score (R²=5.1%, p<0.001, F=4.873) and sex under the influence of alcohol (p<0.001) respectively both had significant contribution from gender, knowledge on transmission through sexual contact, beliefs about HIV/AIDS and attitudes toward VCT testing. The MLR for common risk sexual behavior score (R²=5.4%, p<0.001, F=5.147) and sex without condom (p<0.001) respectively both had significant contributions from gender and attitudes toward condom use.
Knowledge on transmission through sexual contact, beliefs about HIV/AIDS and attitudes toward VCT testing and condom use appeared to be common determinants of HIV/AIDS risk behaviors among students.

Key words: High risk, common risk, factor score, multiple linear regression