Eighth International Conference on Health, Wellness & Society

Abstract

Sexual violence increases the risk for HIV infection. Social media can be used to communicate false or embarrassing information about another person. Such cyber-bullying can have adverse psychosocial outcomes. To date there are no reports of the effect of cyber-bullying on risky sexual behaviour. This study explored the relationship of physical assault and cyber-bullying on risky sexual behaviour among South African university students. A quantitative, cross-sectional study was conducted. Demographic characteristics and data on sexual history was obtained. Physical violence and cyber-bullying were measured on a 5-point Likert scale. RESULTS The mean age of participants (n=441) was 22.7±4.3 years, of which 52.4% (n=231) were female. The mean number of current sexual partners was 1.4 ± 1.47 (range: 0-13). Only 28.5% reported using a condom at every sexual intercourse during the last three months. At least one form of physical assault from an intimate partner was endorsed by 50.6% of study respondents. Experience of at least one form of cyber-bullying was reported by 76% of respondents. Consistent condom usage was lower in those who were previously assaulted by an intimate partner (p=0.016) and by those who experienced any form of cyber-bullying from an intimate partner (p=0.020). The number of sexual partners was not influenced by physical assault (p=0.06) nor by cyber-bullying (p=0.083). No gender differences were observed for any of the variables (p>0.05). Experiences of both physical violence and cyber-bullying by an intimate partner increases risky sexual behaviour by decreasing condom usage.