Perceptions of students regarding transactional sex and its effects on health at a selected University in South Africa

Abstract

The exchange of money or gifts for sexual relationships, also called transactional sex, is considered a sexual risk behaviour worldwide and continues to pose sexually-transmitted infections,unwanted pregnancies risks and other health complications among people engaging in these type of relationships. The aim of the study was to explore the perceptions of students regarding transactional sex and its effects on health at the University of Venda. The study utilized a qualitative, descriptive phenomenological design to understand the perceptions of students regarding transactional sex. The target populations of the study were registered students at the University of Venda. Purposive technique was used to recruit 18 participants. Data was collected using in-depth interviews and analyzed using using Tesch’s thematic analysis. The study concluded that students at the University of Venda perceive transactional sex as a material-based relationship, prostutition, immoral behaviour and abusive relationship.Students perceived socio-economic status, social classes, behavioural aspects and peer pressure to be the driving factors pushing students to engage in transactional sex. Transactional sex is common among the University community and has far-reaching public health as well as social consequences. Students at the University of Venda perceive transactional sex an a bad behavior. This calls for the University to ensure that there are enough extra-mural activities for students to engage in,which could generate some pocket money, awarenesses and educate student not to engage in transactional sex and also provide health talks through printing of pamplets communicating massages against this practie.