Sexual behavior and condom use among male students in Dar-Es-Salaam, Tanzania with emphasis on contact with barmaids.

Objective: The objective of this quantitative study was to identifying factors that influence young men to participate in risky sexual behavior that place them at risk of HIV infection, as young people are at higher risk for HIV infection than adults.

Methods: A cross-sectional study design that employed face-to-face interview questionnaire to identify socio-demographic characteristics, sexual behavior, knowledge of HIV, STD, attitudes towards condoms was administered to 175 sexually active male students between 17 and 24 years old in college settings of Dar-es-Salaam city, Tanzania.

Results: In the previous 12 months, 80% of students had at least one steady sex partner (girlfriend), 71% had sex with a barmaid, 33% had sex with a casual partner and 83% had multiple sex partners. Condoms had been used at some time by 83% of students, and in the latest sexual encounter by 56%. However, only 37%, 22%, and 11% consistently used condoms during sex with girlfriends, casual partners and barmaids, respectively. Condom use was least popular during sex with barmaids, and 94% and 91% of students had experienced oral and anal sex with barmaids, respectively. STD infection was reported by 42% of students. Sex with barmaids was associated with alcohol and illicit drug intake, sex under their respective influences, and STD infection. Despite the high prevalence of these risky behaviors, 64% of students replied that they were at low or no risk of HIV infection.

Conclusion: Our findings suggest that HIV prevention programs for male students should emphasize risks associated with multiple sexual partners, and sex with barmaids and casual partners, to increase the risk perception of HIV/AIDS. Condom use needs to be promoted.