Abstract

Background: The magnitude of risky sexual behavior in Ethiopian Higher Education Institutions ranges from 17.0% to 65.8%. To reduce this problem some Universities are delivering HIV/ AIDS and Sexual and Reproductive Health and Life skill Course. Since the course is new, there was no study regarding the influence of the course on risky sexual Behavior.

Objective: the aim of this study was to assess and compare risky sexual behavior and associated factors among University students with and without Basics HIV/AIDS, Sexually Reproductive Health and Life skill course, Northeast Ethiopia

Methods: An institutional based comparative cross-sectional study was conducted among a total of 724 students from April 11 – May 11, 2018. Stratified with simple random sampling technique was used to select study participants. The data were collected using pretested self-administered structured questionnaire. The data were using SPSS version 23. Descriptive analysis, bivariable and multivariable binary logistic regression were performed. Adjusted odds ratio with its 95 % confidence interval was used to measure strength of association. Variables with P-value less than 0.05 were taken as statistically significant.

Result: The overall magnitude of risky sexual behavior was [21.0 %, 95% CI: (18.1%, 23.9%)]. The magnitude of risky sexual behavior among students with and without Basics of HIV/AIDS, Sexually Reproductive Health and Life skill course was [12.9%, 95% CI: (9.8%, 16.4%)] and [28.9%, 95% CI: (23.2%, 33.9%)] respectively. Being male [AOR=2.91, 95% CI: (1.42, 5.96)], drinking alcohol [AOR=2.75, 95% CI: (1.61, 5.96)], attending night club [AOR=7.90, 95% CI: (4.22, 14.80)], experiencing peer pressure [AOR=2.43, 95% CI: (1.41, 4.19)], good knowledge on HIV/AIDS [AOR=0.14, 95% CI: (0.08, 0.24)], taking Basics of HIV/AIDS, Sexually Reproductive Health and Life skill course [AOR= 0.36, 95% CI: (0.22, 0.60)] had statistically significant association with risky sexual behavior.

Conclusion: Many University students are engaged in risky sexual behavior. The magnitude of risky sexual behavior among students without the course is higher than students with the course. Incorporation of Basics of HIV/AIDS, Sexually Reproductive Health and Life skill course to Universities curricula and strengthening behavioral change communication are recommended

Keywords: Risky sexual behavior, University students, Basics of HIV/AIDS, Sexual and Reproductive Health and Life skill course, Northeast Ethiopia.