HIV/AIDS knowledge, attitudes and behaviour among the youths at higher institutions of learning. A case study of Makerere University

Abstract

The study examined the knowledge attitude and practices of the university undergraduates to HIV/AIDS and its screening Makerere University. The sample comprised 169 undergraduates randomly selected from school of statistics and planning intended knowledge on HIV/AIDS and its impact on the attitudes and practices. The five courses at school of Statistics and Planning were considered and taken as a stratum, students pursuing BSQE, BBS, BSAS, BPS and BSTAT were selected for the study. From each of the stratum, a respondent was randomly selected to participate in the study. Using a descriptive cross-sectional study to assess the level of knowledge on HIV/AIDs and its impact on the attitudes and practices. Chi-square tables and binary logistic regression techniques were used for data analysis. The results showed that the students had very good level of knowledge regarding the transmission and prevention of HIV/AIDS and sexually transmitted diseases With a few differing regarding transmission such as through sharing sharp objects, mother to child infection, kissing someone and mosquito bites by 23.4%, 22.7%, 9.5% respectively were speculated to transmit HIV/AIDS. However, the good knowledge did not translate itself into positive attitude towards those living with HIV/AIDS among the students. There was also a significant difference in their opinion of how one gets infected with the virus. The study therefore recommended that counselling and public enlightenment should be intensified.