Knowledge and Attitudes towards HIV among Makerere University Students.

Abstract

The study aimed at investigating the relationship between HIV knowledge and HIV-related attitudes among Makerere University students. The study adopted a quantitative approach and correlation research design with a population of 80 students. Simple random sampling technique was used to draw a sample of 66 respondents from the population. Data was collected from respondents using self-administered standard questionnaire and entered in the computer for analysis through Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) software version 23. Descriptive statistics showed that there were female students (74.2%) than males (25.8%), majority were between 21-25 years (75.8%). Results from percentages indicated there are high levels of HIV knowledge (95.9%), and negative attitudes towards HIV (77.4%). Pearson product-moment correlation coefficient (r) further indicated that there was no significant relationship between HIV knowledge and attitudes towards HIV, (r=. 324, p>0.01). Therefore, the present study provides a basis and implications for further investigation on the levels of HIV knowledge, attitudes towards HIV and relationship between HIV knowledge and attitudes towards HIV among students in different higher institutions of learning. It was recommended that Basing on the findings, the management of Makerere University should design policies that can help students gain more knowledge on HIV, develop positive attitude towards HIV positive patients and limit discrimination among university students.