The Socio-environmental Determinants of Students’ Sexual Risk Behaviour and HIV Prevention at the University of KwaZulu-Natal

This article explores the socio-environmental factors to students’ sexual risk-taking behaviour at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN), South Africa. The research was conducted with both male and fema le students selected from two UKZN Campuses. In total, 96 in-depth interviews and four focus group discussions were conducted with an equal representation between male and female students. One of the objectives of the study was to explore the socio-environmental factors that instigate students’ sexual risk behaviour on campuses. Through indepth interviews and focus group discussions, the research sought to provide insight into the socio-environmental that instigate students’ sexual risk behaviour and to ascertain how they position themselves in relation to the HIV epidemic. More significantly, we sought to comprehend the socio-environmental factors against a back drop of students having been exposed to the Scrutinise Campus Campaign prevention messages. The data was ana lysed using thematic analysis, and the themes identified formed the basis for discussion in this article. Students’ discussions pointed to the need to address risky sexual behaviour being given precedence over health and safety. The article concludes with suggestions to address the socio-environmental factors that encourage sexual risk behaviour as one way to curb the HIV epidemic. Address for correspondence: