HIV/AIDS: Knowledge, attitudes and practices among adolescents in Nimule, South Sudan
South Sudan med. j
; 11(1): 14-16, 2018. tab
Article
in En
| AIM
| ID: biblio-1272103
Responsible library:
CG1.1
ABSTRACT
Background:
HIV is an infectious virus commonly transmitted through body fluids mostly semen and blood. It causes a serious and non-curable disease with grave consequences especially in sub-Saharan Africa. In South Sudan the prevalence rate of HIV was estimated at 2.6% in 2016. The treatment options are scarce and educational programs limited. This is of great concern since limited knowledge and awareness of HIV is a major risk factor particularly, among young people.Method:
A cross-sectional survey using self-administered questionnaires among adolescents was carried out in November 2016.Results:
Sixty-five students participated in the study. In general they had good knowledge about HIV/AIDS with the majority having heard of HIV. Majority stated that HIV spreads through sex (82%), blood transfusion (95%), and from mother to child during pregnancy and delivery (66%). Several misconceptions were present with 43% responding that HIV can be transmitted through mosquito bites and 18% stating that the virus can be spread through shaking hands, hugging and living in the same house.Conclusion:
Though the respondents showed fair knowledge about HIV/AIDS, there are still some areas in which they lack knowledge especially regarding spread of the disease and practice. More information about HIV/AIDS and sexual education should be made available
Full text:
1
Main subject:
HIV Infections
/
Adolescent
/
Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome
/
South Sudan
Type of study:
Risk_factors_studies
Country/Region as subject:
Africa
Language:
En
Journal:
South Sudan med. j
Year:
2018
type:
Article