Assessment of HIV/AIDS Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices among Secondary School Students in Asella Town

Abstract

Despite the fact that the human immune deficiency virus was a global pandemic, there is no effective treatment or vaccine to stop it. The infection can only be contained by prevention. Therefore, it is important to continually evaluate the factors influencing HIV prevention strategies in young populations. The general objective of this study was to assess HIV/AIDS knowledge, attitudes, and practices among secondary school students in Asella Town. In thi study used both descriptive and explanatory research designs and mixed approaches (quantitative and qualitative). In four secondary schools, a sample of 276 students and school principals were included as respondents. To select sample students, the researcher used stratified proportional simple random sampling techniques, and school principals used purposive sampling techniques. The data were gathered through a questionnaire and an interview. The data collection tools such as questionnaire and interview were used and multiple regression analyses were used to assess the relationship between the KAP, which was prevention practices. The results of the study revealed that the relationship of prevention practices with ‘attitude’ (r = 0.452*, P<0.00) and that of ‘knowledge’ (r = 0.462*, P<0.00) indicates a moderate correlation. The study concluded that the independent two variables (knowledge and attitudes) had a positive and statistically significant effect on prevention practices at the selected secondary schools in Asella Town. Practices were significant with a p-value (.123, P > 0.05) in this study. The study recommended that students ‘knowledge, attitudes, and practices of HIV/AIDS in Asella Town Administration are not as well practiced as necessary. Finally, the study recommends that stakeholders (health sectors, education sectors, and mass media) should give due attention to the disease to alleviate misconceptions around HIV/AIDS, particularly in secondary schools.