HIV/AIDS: Safe sex practices, condom use and knowledge among students attending selected tertiary institutions in the Gambia

Background: Safe sex practices (including the use of condoms correctly and consistently) remain one of the most effective technologies and/or strategies available to prevent HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). However, the use of condoms can reduce transmission of HIV, though not completely. The majority of young people use condoms to prevent unwanted pregnancies and fail to bother being at risk of contracting HIV. 

Aim: The aim of this study was to assess safe sex practices, use of condoms, and the knowledge of HIV/AIDS among students attending selected tertiary institutions in Kanifing Municipal Council (KMC), The Gambia. 

Materials and Methods: 272 students aged between 18 and 25 participated in this study and anonymously responded to pre-test self-administered questionnaires. This study was conducted in four purposely selected tertiary institutions in KMC. The data was analyzed using SPSS version 26. Bivariate analysis was used to compare gender-based parameters. Multivariate analysis (using Chi-square and Fisher exact statistics) was used to determine the association between the levels of knowledge of HIV/AIDS and the dependent variables such as age at first sex, first partner, second partner, sex for favor, and use of condoms. 

Results: 30.1% of the respondents were sexually active, and only 62.2% of them reported condom use. Consistent use of condom was low (24.4%), with males being more consistent than females. Knowledge of the partner’s HIV status was limited (14.6%). Pregnancy prevention was the primary concern during sexual activity, overshadowing the risk of HIV and other STIs. Knowledge of HIV/AIDS was high (87.0%). However, misconceptions still persist, as 11.5% believed that HIV could be transmitted through mosquito bites or sharing food. Despite high awareness of testing facilities, 69.5% had never tested for HIV citing stigma, and low perceived risk as barriers. Abstinence was the most preferred HIV prevention method (53.6%), followed by condom use (25.4%). No statistically significant association was found between knowledge of HIV/AIDS and the dependent variables, indicating that knowledge of HIV/AIDS alone does not translate into safer sexual practices. 

Conclusion: There is urgent need for targeted interventions, including enhanced sexual education, accessible testing services, and campaigns addressing misconceptions and gender-based barriers in order to reduce HIV transmission among young adults in The Gambia.