EXPLORING THE ATTITUDES OF STUDENTS TOWARDS SEEKING GUIDANCE AND COUNSELING SERVICES TO PREVENT RISKY SEXUAL BEHAVIORS: THE CASE OF HAWASSA UNIVERSITY

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the attitudes of Hawassa University students towards seeking guidance and counseling service (G&Cs) to prevent risky sexual behaviors (RSBs). Data were gathered from randomly selected 399 students from four campuses. A mixed-methods approach with a cross-sectional research design was employed. Self-developed and adapted questioner from Fischer and Turner (1970), (i.e., Attitudes toward Seeking Professional Psychological Help Scale), and interview are used in data gathering tool. Both open-ended and close-ended questions were for students, while the interview was conducted with counselors. The validity of an instrument was improved by experts, and the reliability of instruments was checked using the EFA and Cronbach alpha. The Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin measure of sampling adequacy of factor analysis was 0.820. The quantitative data were analyzed using both inferential and descriptive statistics. Descriptive statistics (mean and standard deviation), Pearson’s bivariate correlation, regression analysis, T-test, and ANOVA were used for data analysis using SPSS version 25 while, thematic analysis was used to analyze qualitative data from open-ended questionnaire items and interviews. The analysis found out that the majority of students had positive attitudes towards seeking G&Cs to prevent RSBs. Regression analysis result indicates age, year of study, , awareness, and availability of G&Cs to prevent RSBs have an impact on the development of attitude (β =.192, p<.05), (β =.318, p<.05), (β =.417, p<.05), and (β =.469, p<.05), respectively. The study also revealed that students have low, awareness regarding availability and accessibility of G&Cs for RSBs. Further findings show there is a significant difference between age, year of study, and religion in students’ attitude. In conclusion, the majority of Hawassa University students exhibit positive attitudes towards seeking G&Cs to prevent RSBs. This suggests that there is a favorable disposition among students towards utilizing these services. The study recommended that to enhance awareness and accessibility of G&Cs for RSBs, consider implementing the following strategies; awareness campaigns, integration with academic programs, peer support programs and regular assessment.