Low prevalence of HIV infection, and knowledge, attitude and practice on HIV/AIDS among high school students in Gondar, Northwest Ethiopia

Abstract

Abstract
HIV/AIDS is a major public health problem in Ethiopia. Therefore, a school based cross-sectional study was
conducted in Gondar; Northwest Ethiopia to determine the seroprevalence of HIV infection and to assess Knowledge,
attitude and practice related to HIV/AIDS. A total of 565 students were included in the study. The seroprevalence of
HIV infection was 1.1%. Sexual contact with commercial sex worker or non-regular partner was reported by 16.7% of
the students. Only 58.5% of those who practice sex used condoms. History of sexually transmitted diseases was
reported by 10.7% of the sexually active students. The majority (96.6%) reported unprotected sex, unsafe blood
transfusion, contaminated needles and mother to child transmissions as common ways of HIV transmission.
Abstinence, faithfulness to one’s partner and use of condom as means to prevent transmission of HIV was responded
by 84.1%, 60.4% and 41.8% of the students, respectively. Over 82% demanded screening for HIV as a precondition
for marriage and 97.2% agreed to have a VCT service. The findings of the study indicate that the prevalence of HIV
infection is low among high school students in Gondar. The students had adequate knowledge about HIV/AIDS and
VCT despite the risky practices. Continued health education is needed to bring behavioral changes. [Ethiop.J.Health
Dev. 2007;21(2):179-182]