Katelyn Bruhjell
Faculty Sponsor: Lauren Stutts
HIV is a public health concern, particularly among young adults. Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is a preventative measure to reduce the chances of contracting HIV. The present study had two main aims: 1) examine HIV and PrEP knowledge, and 2) explore current sexual health practices in undergraduate college students. Participants included 373 undergraduate students who completed the following measures: HIV knowledge, perceived knowledge of HIV and PrEP, and sexual behaviors. While students scored relatively high on factual knowledge about HIV, they reported low perceived knowledge of HIV and PrEP. Despite 72.7% of participants responding that they have had sexual intercourse, 62% of students reporting not using condoms at all times. Of the students who reported not using condoms at all times, 60.5% of reported that they had never been tested for HIV. These findings demonstrate that while students know factual information about HIV, an increase in HIV and PREP education is needed since student behaviors are not aligned with safe sex practices.
