Comprehensive knowledge of post-exposure prophylaxis among Makerere University students residing in Mary Stuart, Complex and University Hall of residence, Makerere University

Abstract

Background: Human immunodeficiency virus remains a major global health burden affecting over 39.0 million (33.1-45.7million) people across the world by the end of the year 2022 with 1.3 million (1-1.7 million) newly infected in 2022 and 630,000 AIDS-related deaths in 2022. Following the increasing number of new HIV infections and HIV-related deaths, preventive measures like Post Exposure Prophylaxis were implemented. However various studies across the globe have shown underutilization of HIV-Post- Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) attributed to its’ lack of knowledge. Methods: A quantitative descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among Makerere University students residing in Mary Stuart, Complex and University Halls of Residence, Makerere University to assess the comprehensive knowledge of Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP). A simple random sampling was used to select the study participants and 401 students were recruited. Data was collected online via Google Forms developed using a Kobotool. It was analyzed using SPSS version 23. Univariate analysis was conducted for sociodemographic factors, sexual behavior, and knowledge of Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP). The outcome of the study was calculated as the total number of all correct scores divided by the sum of all scores with each correct answer carrying 1 mark which was then converted into a percentage. Study participants who scored 60% or ≥ 18.6 marks were considered to have adequate knowledge and those below were considered as low levels of knowledge. Results: The study participants had a mean age of 23.1±2.8 years. Nearly three-quarters 155 (68.9%) of them were unaware of their partner's status at the time of sex. Nearly three-quarters 98 (61.3%) of them reported having sexual activity in the previous six months. More than half of the sexually active participants137 (60.8%) had condom-less sex with someone whose HIV status they were unaware of, and yet the majority of them 124 (87.4%) did not use Post Exposure Prophylaxis following a possible exposure, about three-quarters 162 (68.4%) of participants who knew about PEP had adequate knowledge. Nevertheless, the results also show that nearly half 168(41.9%) of the total participants who took part in the survey were unaware of HIV-Post Exposure Prophylaxis. Conclusion: The majority of the students, nearly three-quarters 162 (68.4%) of participants who were aware of PEP had adequate knowledge. Nevertheless, nearly half 168(41.9%) of the total participants who took part in the survey lacked awareness of HIV-Post Exposure Prophylaxis hence there is a need to rescale and intensify approaches toward the creation of awareness among students at various levels of Institutional learning