Evaluation of HIV/AIDS and STIS Knowledge among College Students: Differences by Sex

Abstract

Background: College Students, being in a transitional stage, tend to have greater autonomy and a more active sexual life; however, they often exhibit limited knowledge about HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Objective: To identify sex-based differences in knowledge about HIV/AIDS and STIs among university students, to inform the development of tailored sexual education programs based on identified needs. Method: The study included 230 sexually active university students (84 men, 146 women) from three campuses of UAEMéx, selected through non-probabilistic convenience sampling (inclusion criteria: age >18 years, self-reported sexual activity, and informed consent). Knowledge about HIV/AIDS and STIs was assessed using a validated self-administered questionnaire (23 items, Cronbach’s α = 0.78). Sex differences were analyzed using independent samples t-tests, following confirmation of normality (Kolmogorov-Smirnov test, p > 0.05). Effect sizes were calculated using Cohen’s d (JASP version 0.19.3; small: d = 0.2, medium: d = 0.5, large: d ≥ 0.8). Ethical approval was granted by the institutional ethics committee of CU UAEMéx Nezahualcóyotl (CEIN/2023/014). Results: Women showed higher knowledge in HIV transmission (p = .047, d = 0.26), STI transmission (p = .019, d = 0.32), and STI characteristics (p = .005, d = 0.39). No significant differences were found in overall knowledge (p = .124). Condom use decreased from 78.7% during the first sexual encounter to 63.9% in the most recent one, and the internet was the main source of information (57.4%). Conclusion: Sex-based differences in knowledge and the declining use of condoms underscore the need for differentiated educational programs and campaigns that promote safe sexual practices and access to reliable information.