Undergraduate LGBTQI students’ perceptions and awareness of safe sex practices and related institutional services at a Metropolitan University in South Africa

Abstract: Globally, youth, particularly members of the LGBTQI community, are more at risk of contracting the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), which has increased over the last three decades. This rise can be attributed to risky sexual behaviour that is fostered by societal prejudice, sexual and reproductive healthcare and safe sex programmes that exclude the LGBTQI youth. Locally, HIV infections in universities have increased over the last decade. Several studies have investigated the awareness and views of university students on safe sex practices but none with the LGBTQI students. Hence this study aimed to explore undergraduate LGBTQI students’ perceptions and awareness of safe sex practices and related institutional services at a metropolitan university in South Africa. The study objectives explored knowledge of internal and external condoms, masturbation, other possible safe sex activities, as well as recommendations for the institutional safe sex services and programmes. Several studies on safe sex practice among young people and LGBTQI vulnerability to HIV were investigated, including studies done at the chosen university. Based on members of the LGBTQI being excluded in these studies and some safe sex practices like masturbation neglected from prevention programmes, it was essential to undertake this study. The sexual script theory guided the researcher to explore the participants’ understanding and awareness of sexual behaviour, on various levels – socially, among peers, and personally. This qualitative study followed an exploratory and descriptive approach as it offered the participants an opportunity to express their views and possibly improve their awareness about safe sex practices and services. Six semi-structured interviews were conducted with five gay males and one non-binary pansexual who are registered undergraduate students at the chosen metropolitan university. Thematic data analysis was conducted, trustworthiness was achieved to reflect consistency and validity of the study, and ethical considerations were adhered to. Findings showed that participants were knowledgeable and aware of safe sex practices and services available to them at their university. They described factors such as culture, religion, and peer influence on their perception of safe sex practices and their views on safe sex practices such as internal and external condoms, masturbation, the use of sex toys, oral sex, and cybersex. Finally, they recommended more aggressive marketing to the institutional office and more open online forums and conferences to educate students especially the LGBTQI members. Limitations of this study can be used as a gap for future studies to address.M.A. (Clinical Social Work