Exploring the views that University students have about HIV in Makerere Kikoni Kawempe division Kampala district.

Abstract

The study was aimed at exploring the views of university students about HIV. The study adopted a qualitative study design which was thematic in nature. Purposive sampling technique was used to draw a sample of eight (8) participants from the population. Data was collected from the participants using open ended questions. Data was thematically analyzed by searching across a data set to identify, analyze, and report repeated patterns. The results indicated that that majority of the participants stated that HIV is spread through having unprotected sex, limited knowledge about the spread of HIV, and sharing sharp instruments. They still hint on HIV making people who are sick suffering from depression and having low self-esteem. In addition, most participants also encouraged people to use condoms, abstain from sex and adhere to medication well. It was recommended that the management of Makerere University and authorities in Makere Kikoni need to design ways of sensitizing the young people in Makerere about the dangers of HIV infection and what it means in relation to reduction of HIV infection among university students and their psychological wellbeing. There should be counselling services provided regularly to HIV positive people in Makerere. The university students should be encouraged to use condoms if they can’t abstain and also be faithful to each other