HIV/AIDS KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND PRACTICE AMONG HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS IN BANJUL, THE GAMBIA
Journal Title: World Journal of Advance Healthcare Research - Year 2018, Vol 2, Issue 6
Abstract
Background: Among young people living with HIV, nearly 80% (4 million) live in Sub-Saharan Africa. Adolescence remains the most vulnerable group thus understanding their knowledge of the disease is vital. Objectives: To determine whether the students are aware of various aspects of HIV such as, definition, causes, prevention and treatment. To assess the attitude of students towards an HIV infected person. To assess the sexual behaviour of the students. Methods: A cross sectional study was done in four randomly selected high schools in Banjul, and structured questionnaires were administered to 544 grade 11 students. Results: Approximately, 98% of our study population have heard about HIV/AIDS and 43.7% knew that HIV causes AIDS and majority (51.7%) had no idea. Almost all (94.5%) knew sexual intercourse can transmit infection and 93.0% beliefs condom use can prevent transmission. However, a third were sexually active (29.6%), a fifth (20.0%) have used a condom with a significant number (10%) of them engaged in unsafe sexual act. Approximately, 33% believed douching after intercourse could prevent transmission. Many (89.2%) knew about mother to child transmission where as 43.4% and 36.8% felt transmission could be by mosquito bites and kissing respectively. A good number (79.2%) would continue being friends with infected person while 89.3% would not mind being thought by an infected teacher. Conclusion: The study suggests remarkable level of awareness about HIV but with some misconception on mode of transmission. They had a positive attitude towards PLHIV. A significant number engaged in unsafe sexual practices.
Authors and Affiliations
Yauba A.
Keywords
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