ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: To assess the knowledge, attitudes and behaviour of high school students (grade 10) with regard to HIV infection and AIDS. METHODS: A self-administered questionnaire survey was carried out in 21 high schools in 6 different provinces. The questionnaire was anonymous and contained questions about HIV transmission, preventive measures, attitudes towards HIV infection and a few questions about personal sexual behaviour. PRELIMINARY RESULTS: A total of 1811 students completed the questionnaire. 46% were female. The average age was 17 years. Over 98% knew what AIDS and HIV were. 97% knew that HIV was sexually transmitted, but many misconceptions existed: one-third thought that HIV was transmitted by mosquitoes, 7% that HIV-infected persons were a danger in the classroom. 72% knew that using a condom at every sexual encounter was a way of protection from HIV infection. Approximately 25% reported to have had sexual contacts, and of 15-year-old students 14% were sexually active. Although STD/AIDS education is part of the curriculum for grade 8 the principals of the majority of the schools reported that no formal teaching was done. DISCUSSION: Although the majority of students knew that HIV is sexually transmitted, basic knowledge about STDs is lacking and is not taught as part of the curriculum in most of the schools. Teaching about STDs and HIV needs to be enforced and safe sexual practices need to be discussed with the students.
