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The Prevalence of Concurrent Sexual Partnerships among Students in Institutions of Higher Education in Zimbabwe

Abstract This study set out to establish the level of sexual activity and prevalence of concurrent sexual partnerships among students in two Faculties at a University in Zimbabwe. The study also investigated the extent and motivation for age-discrepant sexual partnerships and the possible link between multiple concurrent sexual partnerships and the spread of HIV/AIDS. Four research questions were posed to establish the level of sexual activity among university students, prevalence of concurrent relationships, motivation for and involvement in intergenerational sexual partnerships, and students’ knowledge of the possible link between concurrent sexual behaviour and the spread of HIV/AIDS. A convenience sample of 145 student respondents (85 females and 60 males) was used in this study. A ten-item self-administered questionnaire and focus group discussion were used to collect the necessary data. The study found high levels of sexual activity (more for male than for female students) and high prevalence of concurrent sexual behaviour. The study also found that female students participated in concurrent sexual partnerships to benefit from the resources of their male partners while males were largely motivated around the sex motive. In spite of the high levels of knowledge about HIV/AIDS, high levels of concurrent sexual relationships were prevalent among students who participated in this study. This study confirmed results reported in the literature and has implications for the spread of HIV/AIDS.