Unprotected sexual activity among criminology students: a mixed-methods analysis of knowledge, attitudes, and practices at southway college of technology

Background: Unprotected sexual activity among college students is a significant public health concern, with limited understanding of KAP dynamics through the Health Belief Model. Objective: To assess criminology students' KAP regarding unprotected sexual activities and examine how age, gender, and race influence sexual health behaviours. Methods: A mixed-methods descriptive-correlational design was employed with 301 stratified randomly sampled students. A researcher-developed questionnaire and semi-structured interviews provided quantitative and qualitative data, analysed through descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, chi-square, regression, and thematic analysis. Results: Students demonstrated basic sexual health knowledge and moderately risky behaviours marked by inconsistent contraceptive use and poor partner communication. Knowledge correlated significantly with gender and residential area. Attitudes mediated the weak knowledge–behaviour relationship, showing moderate correlations with both knowledge and practices. Qualitative themes identified peer pressure, relationship trust, perceived barriers, and inadequate sexual health education as key behavioural determinants. Conclusions: Knowledge alone is insufficient to drive safe sexual behaviour. Universities should implement comprehensive sexual health programs, strengthen counselling services, and cultivate environments promoting open communication, self-efficacy, and responsible decision-making.