Peer influence, alcohol use and risky sexual behaviors among Makerere University students

Abstract

Many university students engage in risky sexual behaviors, which increase the risk of exposure to infectious diseases, and hence, a public health concern. This study investigated the relationships between peer influence, alcohol use, and risky sexual behaviors among university students. The study adopted a quantitative approach and correlational research design with a sample of 205 (100 Male and 105 Female) students from Makerere university. Data were collected through self-report questionnaire and analyzed using regression and moderation analysis. The results of the study indicated that peer influence significantly predicted risky sexual behaviors among university students, β = .431, t= 2.430, p < .01. This means that increase in peer influence leads to an increase in risky sexual behaviors. Additionally, alcohol use significantly predicted the engagement of students in risky sexual behaviors, β = .202, t = 2.43, p = .014 < .01. This implies that risky sexual behaviors were more pronounced among students with high levels of alcohol consumption. Furthermore, peer influence was found to significantly predict students' alcohol use, β = .234, t = 2.22, p = .027 < .05. The results of this study demonstrated that the influence of peers on risky sexual behaviors was more pronounced among students who reported higher levels of alcohol use, (β = .5692, t = 3.0437, p = .001 < .01, whereas peer influence also exhibited a significant proportion (63%) of variance in students’ engagement in risky sexual behaviors. The relationship between peer influence and risky sexual behaviors was moderated by alcohol use. Peer influence and alcohol use were independently associated with higher likelihood of indulgent of risky sexual behaviors and individual tendency was greater with high levels of alcohol use. Understanding these interrelated factors can inform the development of targeted interventions and educational programs to reduce risky sexual behaviors among university students.