ABSTRACT
Objectives@#Youths can function as agents of change by disseminating essential information, but they are also considered a vulnerable group in the COVID-19 pandemic. Literature on COVID-related knowledge, attitude, and anxiety has not focused comprehensively on youths. This study assesses the knowledge, attitudes, and anxiety level of youths in eastern Nigeria during the COVID-19 pandemic.@*Methods@#We conducted a descriptive cross-sectional study using an online survey among young people between the ages of 18 and 35 years in southeastern Nigeria during the COVID-19 pandemic. We analyzed data using the Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 25 software. We used descriptive statistics, the Chi-square test, and bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses to measure the associations. A p-value of < 0.05 was considered statistically significant at a 95 percent confidence level.@*Results@#We included 397 participants. Majority of the study participants (88%) had a high level of knowledge about COVID-19. Around 68% showed a good attitude toward COVID-19 prevention, overall low anxiety related to the COVID-19 pandemic was proportionally higher at 57.43%. Knowledge and educational level were statistically significantly associated with anxiety levels related to the COVID-19 pandemic. @*Conclusion@#The young adults had a good knowledge of the COVID-19 transmission and symptoms, positive attitude, and low anxiety levels. Those with higher educational levels had good knowledge and lower anxiety level. Public health and mental health experts can use this material to help reduce high levels of anxiety among the vulnerable population affected by the pandemic.
Subject(s)
COVID-19 , AttitudeABSTRACT
Introduction@#Young adults are more susceptible to HIV infection due to a lack of reliable and timely information about HIV/AIDS prevention and transmission. This study examined the KAPS of college students in Pampanga, Philippines due to high cases of HIV in the region. KAPs is vital in developing effective strategies for HIV intervention. @*Objective@#The study evaluated the knowledge, attitudes, and practices on prevention and transmission HIV/AIDS among college students in Pampanga, Philippines. Method. This cross-sectional, descriptive study used a self-administered questionnaire to assess HIV/AIDS knowledge, attitudes, and practices among 565 college students aged 18–24 from three Pampanga higher educational institutions Philippines. A questionnaire was used to gather data on KAPs regarding HIV/AIDS transmission and prevention. The data were analyzed using SPSS version 20.0. @*Results@#Among 565 participants, 239 persons (42%) showed low knowledge of transmission and prevention of HIV/AIDS, 203 (36%) had moderate level of knowledge, and 121 (21%) had high level. Common misconceptions about HIV transmission included washing genitals could prevent transmission and that transmission was possible through mosquito bites, respiratory fluids, sweat, or urine. Television was the most frequent source of HIV/AIDS-related knowledge among respondents. More than half (63.1%) of those surveyed had a good attitude toward HIV-positive people. Those who answered questions related to the sexual practices said that their last three encounters were with the same person (18.1%). Those who used piercing objects claimed to sterilize them before utilizing them on their bodies (18.6 %). And many participants refused to question related to practices. @*Conclusion@#Participants had a low knowledge of HIV/AIDS, which explains why there were many misconceptions about HIV/AIDS transmission and prevention. More than half of the respondents had a good attitude toward HIVpositive people. Those who answered the practice-related questions engaged in risky behaviour. Providers should implement an intervention program to increase HIV/AIDS knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors in the region.