Abstract:
Background: Young people aged between 15 and 24 years are at risk of human immunodeficiency virus
globally. Abstinence, being faithful and condom use is the primary preventive practice strategy. A few
number of young people with risky sexual behavior practice preventive practice including in school
students in Ethiopia. This study tried to show magnitude of preventive practice and its associated factors.
Objective: To assess human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome preventive
practice and its associated factors among High School Students of Ambo town, West Shoa, Ethiopia,
2023.
Methods: Institutional based cross-sectional study was done. 465 students were selected from four high
schools of Ambo town, West Shoa using systematic random sampling and study conducted from May 8
19, 2023. Health Belief Model construct was used to assess preventive practice. Data collected using self
administered structured questionnaire, entered to Epi-Data version 4.6 and analyzed using SPSS version
27. Descriptive statistics computed &Variables with p-value <0.25 in bi-variable logistic regression were
included in multi-variable logistic regression analysis. Odds ratio at 95% CI used, & variables with p
value < 0.05 in the multi-variable logistic regression model were considered as statistically significant.
Results were presented by text, table and graph.
Results: Response rate for this study was 98.7%. From this, 359(78.2%) of them were in preventive
practice. Three quarters 329(71.7%) used sexual abstinence as preventive practice. Among sexually
active, 12(24.5%) in preventive practice from condom users & 18(13.8%) being faithful to one sexual
partner. Sex (AOR=2.212[CI (95%):1.397-3.500]), mother educational level (AOR=2.963[CI
(95%):1.186-7.408]), and HIV/AIDS knowledge (AOR=2.214[CI (95%):1.114-4.402]) were factors
associated with sexual abstinence. Discussing about sexual issues with parents (AOR=6.332,[CI(95%):
1.300-30.847]), knowing someone died of HIV/AIDS (AOR=4.558,[CI(95%):1.142-18.182]),
perceived severity of HIV/AIDS(AOR=17.780,[CI(95%): 2.390-132.260]) and self
efficacy(AOR=4.308,[CI (95%):(1.041-17.832]) associated with condom use. Perceived benefit
of prevention methods (AOR=5.962[CI (95%):1.530-23.225]) associated with being faithful to
one sexual partner as preventive practice.
Conclusion: Near to four in five of students were in preventive practice generally. However,
preventive practice among sexually active low. Hence, emphasize should be given to increase
students risk perception on severity of HIV/AIDS and self-efficacy on preventive practice
through discussing and educating about HIV/AIDS
