HIV/AIDS Related Knowledge of University Students in Southeast Ethiopia: A Cross-Sectional Survey
Chala Kene, Leul Deribe, Haweni Adugna, Yohannes Tekalegn, Kenbon Seyoum, Girma Geta
Abstract
PURPOSE: University students are often a sexually active group that is at risk of acquiring and transmitting HIV. This risk depends on their level of knowledge towards the disease. Hence, HIV/AIDS related knowledge represents the acquisition of scientific facts and information regarding the symptoms, way of transmission, adverse consequences, and prevention strategies of the disease. Therefore, this study aimed to assess level of HIV/AIDS related knowledge among regular undergraduate students of Madda Walabu University, Southeast Ethiopia. METHODS: -value<0.05 was used to declare statistical significance. RESULTS: A total of 442 study participants were included in the study. The level of HIV/AIDS knowledge among study participants was found to be 51.4%. Health science students [AOR=16.28 (8.21-32.28)], being in year III and above [AOR=5.34 (2.92-9.76)] and having monthly stipend >300 birr from parents and relatives [AOR=2.70 (1.34-5.48)] had a higher odds of a good level of HIV/AIDS knowledge. CONCLUSION: Nearly half of the students had a poor level of HIV/AIDS knowledge. Field of study, year of the study, and monthly income were significantly associated with level of HIV/AIDS related knowledge. University-based HIV/AIDS education considering year of study has to be given, and risk reduction on focusing on behavioral change intervention are recommended.