Journal of Psychology and Psychiatry

ABSTRACT

Background:

The study aimed at examining the relationship between perceived risk of HIV infection and risky sexual behaviors among high school students in the central division of Kampala. Out of a total population of 400 adolescents in high school for two schools, a sample of 196 participants was selected using the simple random sampling technique at the advanced level of secondary education in two secondary schools in Central Kampala.

Methods:

This study adopted a purely quantitative study approach, which took a cross-sectional and correlational survey design. A self-administered questionnaire was used in the data collection. Collected data were further coded and analyzed with the help of the Statistical Package for Social Science.

Results:

Descriptive statistics showed that half of the respondents. Results indicated that there was a statistically significant negative relationship observed between perceived risk of HIV infection and risky sexual behaviors (r = -.234**, p = .001 < 0.01).

Conclusions:

It was concluded that education on reproductive and sexual health, with emphasis on the consequences of engaging in risky sexual behaviors, should be included in the delivery messages and strategies for tackling those factors influencing risky sexual behaviors. This may help the adolescents in high school in their daily decision-making and avoid engaging in risky sexual behaviors.

Keywords: Perceived risk of HIV Infection; Risky Sexual Behaviours; High school Students; Adolescents.