Social media use, depression and risky sexual behaviour among undergraduate students at Kyambogo University

Abstract

The study aimed to examine how social media use and depression relate to risky sexual behaviour among undergraduate students at Kyambogo University. A cross-sectional quantitative design was used, involving 379 students proportionately selected from various faculties through convenient sampling. Data were gathered using self-administered questionnaires that included the Scale of Social Media Usage Level, the Patient Health Questionnaire-9, and the Sexual Risky Behaviour Scale. Data analysis involved chi-square tests and logistic regression to test for moderation effects. Results showed no significant association between social media use and risky sexual behaviour, χ²(1, N = 379) = 0.28, p = .595. Depression was significantly associated with risky sexual behaviour, χ²(2, N = 379) = 62.21, p < .001, with students experiencing moderate to severe symptoms more likely to engage in unsafe sexual practices. Social media use was also linked to depression, χ²(1, N = 379) = 32.73, p = .001, with higher usage corresponding to greater depressive symptoms. Moderation analysis indicated that depression did not significantly influence the relationship between social media use and risky sexual behaviour (B = 0.01, p = .996). The findings suggest that depression is an important predictor of risky sexual behaviour among university students. Mental health support and responsible social media use are vital for promoting student wellbeing