Mahoto Sylvia K, Mitonga Honoré K, Likando Eddy S
School of Nursing and Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, University of Namibia, Oshakati, Namibia.
Faculty of Technology, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth, United Kingdom.
Health SA. 2025 Mar 28;30:2725. doi: 10.4102/hsag.v30i0.2725. eCollection 2025.
Risky sexual behaviours (RSBs) are prevalent among young adults, particularly university students, increasing their vulnerability to sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and unplanned pregnancies. While various studies have explored these behaviours in Namibia, limited research exists in the Zambezi region, presenting a gap that this study addresses.
This study investigates the prevalence of RSBs, associated factors and the need for targeted interventions among university students in the Zambezi region.
The study was conducted at the University of Namibia's Katima Mulilo Campus in the Zambezi Region, Namibia.
A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted among 231 undergraduate students at the University of Namibia (Katima Mulilo Campus). The survey assessed sexual behaviour, STI knowledge and condom use practices.
Over 61% of participants reported being sexually active, with many initiating sexual activities before the age of 18. Condom use was inconsistent, with 40.7% reporting not using condoms in the past year. Additionally, 15.6% had contracted an STI in the last year, with 6% not seeking medical treatment. Key factors associated with RSBs included marital status and substance use, such as tobacco.
The findings reveal a concerning prevalence of RSBs among university students in the Zambezi region. This underscores the need for targeted interventions addressing social and behavioural determinants of sexual risk-taking.
This study emphasises the importance of developing culturally sensitive interventions that promote consistent condom use and improve sexual health education to reduce STI risk and adverse sexual health outcomes.
危险的性行为（RSBs）在年轻人中很普遍，尤其是大学生，这增加了他们感染性传播感染（STIs）和意外怀孕的风险。虽然纳米比亚的各种研究已经探讨了这些行为，但赞比西地区的相关研究有限，本研究填补了这一空白。
本研究调查赞比西地区大学生中危险的性行为的流行情况、相关因素以及针对性干预措施的必要性。
该研究在纳米比亚赞比西地区的纳米比亚大学卡蒂马穆利洛校区进行。
对纳米比亚大学（卡蒂马穆利洛校区）的231名本科生进行了描述性横断面调查。该调查评估了性行为、性传播感染知识和避孕套使用情况。
超过61%的参与者报告有性行为，许多人在18岁之前就开始了性行为。避孕套使用情况不一致，40.7%的人报告在过去一年中未使用避孕套。此外，15.6%的人在过去一年中感染了性传播感染，6%的人未寻求治疗。与危险的性行为相关的关键因素包括婚姻状况和物质使用，如烟草。
研究结果揭示了赞比西地区大学生中危险的性行为的流行情况令人担忧。这突出了针对性冒险行为的社会和行为决定因素进行有针对性干预的必要性。
本研究强调了制定具有文化敏感性的干预措施的重要性，这些措施可促进持续使用避孕套并改善性健康教育，以降低性传播感染风险和不良性健康结果。
