The Effect of Age on Human Immunodeficiency Virus Risk Related Behaviors among Undergraduate Students at a Historically Black College and University in the United States of America

Objective: HIV infections have taken a heavy toll on young adults in the USA. Most undergraduate students fall within the age group who are at high risk of HIV infections. The effect of age on HIV risk related behaviors among African American undergraduate students has never been investigated before. Thus, this study assessed the effect of age on HIV risk related behaviors among African American undergraduate students at a Historically Black College and University.

Methods: A total of 400 respondents were randomly selected from Jackson State University of the USA, a Historically Black College and University. A cross-sectional study design was utilized from January to September, 2016. Data were collected using a validated self-administered standardized questionnaire. Chi-square test was used to see the association between age and HIV risk related behaviors.

Results: Over seventy five percent of the study participants have had at least one risk behavior related to HIV infection transmission and there was significant statistical difference between students aged 18-24 years and students aged 25 years and above (p<0.05). The students aged 18-24 years were more likely to participate in risk behaviors that could predispose them to HIV infections (P = 0.02).

Conclusions: As the HIV related risk behaviors was higher among students aged 18-24 years old, age appropriate HIV preventive programs that are appealing to young people will be required to effectively prevent HIV infection among this vulnerable population.