Emmanuel Mensah, Calvin and Mbiyieba, John and Adiyaga Wezena, Cletus (2022) Perception of HIV/AIDS among Tertiary Education Students in the Tamale Metropolis and Their Willingness to Take the HIV Test. Journal of Advances in Medicine and Medical Research, 34 (7). pp. 7-16. ISSN 2456-8899
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Abstract
Aim: The study assessed the perception of HIV/AIDS among students in tertiary education institutions in northern Ghana and their willingness to take the HIV test.
Study Design: Descriptive cross-sectional study.
Place and Duration of Study: Tamale Metropolis from September 2020 to June 2021.
Methodology: A convenience sampling technique was employed to select 374 students aged 15-30 years. Data from participants was collected using a standardized structure questionnaire and analyzed on Epi Info version 7. Cross tabulation was used to estimate the association between outcome variables and independent variables.
Results: Almost all participants (366; 93.61% [95% CI: 90.73 – 95. 63]) were aware of HIV/AIDS, having acquired information about the disease mostly from a health worker. A very high proportion of the respondents (346; 88.49% [95% CI: 84.95 – 91.29]) were also aware of the modes of transmission of HIV, with 64.41% of participants identifying unprotected sexual intercourse as a major mode of HIV transmission. Though aware of how HIV is transmitted, almost half (46.21%) of sexually active participants did not use a condom in their last sexual intercourse. More than half (221; 56.52% [95% CI: 51.57 – 61.35]) of respondents had never heard of any HIV/AIDS support groups in their schools or communities. Though a majority (58.57%) of respondents were aware of free HCT in the country, the majority (207; 52.94% [95% CI: 47.99 – 57.84]) of the respondents had never taken the HIV test. Close to half (167; 42.71% [95% CI: 37.90 – 47.66]) of respondents had no plans to take the HIV test in the future.
Conclusion: Our results revealed the need to intensify HIV/AIDS education, especially among the youth, emphasizing the increasing risk of HIV infection, importance of regular HIV tests for sexually active persons and the use of protection during casual sex.
Item Type: | Article |
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Subjects: | Eurolib Press > Medical Science |
Depositing User: | Managing Editor |
Date Deposited: | 13 Jan 2023 08:10 |
Last Modified: | 24 Jun 2024 04:11 |
URI: | http://info.submit4journal.com/id/eprint/518 |