Variation of HIV-related knowledge and perceptions by academic major: Implications for university interventions

For many young adults, college years represent a time of self-identification and sexual exploration. Most universities offer human sexuality courses, although they are not required for graduation. While students in health-related majors may receive sexuality education in a formal setting, majority of college students never receive formal sexual health or HIV/AIDS-related education, which may lead to elevated engagement in high-risk sexual behaviors. The purposes of this study were to: (1) identify HIV/AIDS-related knowledge, perceived risk, and perceived consequences among college students; and (2) examine how these factors differ by academic major (i.e., physical sciences, math, engineering, business (PMEB); education, humanities, and social sciences (EHS); biological sciences (BS); and health and kinesiology (HK)). Data were collected from 510 college students using an internet-delivered questionnaire. Multinomial logistic regression was performed to compare HIV-related covariates by academic major category. Relative to HK students, those who self-reported being “completely knowledgeable” about HIV were less likely to be PMEB [OR=0.41, p=0.046] or EHS [OR=0.26, p=0.006] majors. PMEB majors were less likely to report behavioral factors as a risk for contracting HIV [OR=0.89, p=0.010]. BS majors were less likely to report environmental factors as a risk for HIV [OR=0.93, p=0.049], or the disease as detrimental to an individual's spiritual well-being [OR=0.84, p=0.022]. Understanding college students' HIV-related knowledge and perceptions about risk and consequences can inform college-wide campaigns and interventions to raise HIV/AIDS awareness and improve college health. Curricula modifications to include human sexuality requirements or integrate HIV/AIDS-related content into existing courses are recommended.