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Nationwide Survey on HIV/AIDS Knowledge, Attitudes and Risk Behavior in University Students of Portugal

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  13 December 2013

Marta Reis ,
Lúcia Ramiro ,
Margarida Gaspar de Matos  and
José Alves Diniz
Marta Reis*
Affiliation:
Universidade de Lisboa (Portugal)
Lúcia Ramiro
Affiliation:
Universidade de Lisboa (Portugal)
Margarida Gaspar de Matos
Affiliation:
Universidade de Lisboa (Portugal)
José Alves Diniz
Affiliation:
Universidade de Lisboa (Portugal)
*
*Correspondence concerning this article should be addressed to Marta Reis. Social Adventure Team & CMDT-LA/UNL. Faculty of Human Kinetics/Technical Universidade de Lisboa. Estrada da Costa. 1495–688. Cruz Quebrada (Portugal). Phone. +351–214149152. Email: reispsmarta@gmail.com, www.aventurasocial.com, www.cmdtla.org/health-a-education
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Abstract

HIV and sexually transmitted infections is a major threat for humanity in the world, especially in developing countries. The goals of this study were to: (a) analyze differences between genders in knowledge, attitudes, and risk behaviors about HIV/AIDS; and (b) evaluate the association between inconsistent condom use and knowledge, attitudes and risk behaviors about HIV/AIDS in Portuguese university students. Data were collected through a self-administered questionnaire from the Portuguese sample of the Sexual and Reproductive Health in University Students study (SRHUS), which is an extension of the Health Behavior in School-aged Children (HBSC) study for university students. This cross-sectional study provides national representative data of 3278 Portuguese university students. Results show that the majority is sexually active; the usual contraceptive methods more reported are the oral contraceptive and the male condom. However the prevalence of consistent condom use in last 12 months is 34.5% (men) and 31.7% (women). Men more often than women report engaging in sexual risk behaviors (occasional partners, sex associated to alcohol and drugs, STIs). In general, university students have good knowledge about how to protect themselves from HIV and have positive attitudes towards people with HIV/AIDS. This survey could be a useful guide in the development of campaigns or programs designed to convey accurate information about HIV transmission routes and prevention strategies and to dispel erroneous beliefs about HIV.

Keywords

attitudesexual behaviorHIVstudentsrisk behaviors
Type
Research Article
Information
The Spanish Journal of Psychology , Volume 16 , 2013 , E99
Copyright
Copyright © Universidad Complutense de Madrid and Colegio Oficial de Psicólogos de Madrid 2013 

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