English

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Adolescents and youth need information in order to make such responsible choices in terms of sexual behaviour/relationship. They also need to integrate and personalize this information or knowledge so that they can make healthy choices. Young people learn a great deal from each other and by sharing ideas and experiences amongst themselves. Peer influence is a great motivating factor in the adoption of specific behaviour patterns. Therefore, correct information and values imparted to one group of young people will be passed on to the other young people. Young people who have developed greater self-esteem and mutually supportive relationships are less vulnerable to peer and other pressures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: STUDY DESIGN: Cross sectional study, STUDY PERIOD: The study was carried out from June 2011 to December 2011. RESULTS: 77.83% of participants had heard of HIV/AIDS, among them only 74.06% of participants had written correct abbreviation of HIV and 83.56% knew that causative agent of HIV/AIDS as virus, 75.26% had written correct abbreviation of AIDS. 77.07% of participants gave correct response HIV/AIDS awareness symbol as red ribbon. 39.37% of participants knew how to prevent HIV/AIDS. 44.95% participants knew that mosquito bite from HIV/AIDS infected person will not transmit HIV virus. 57.62% of participants knew that IV drug abuse will spread HIV virus. 87.63% of participants knew that HIV/AIDS status can be confirmed by blood test. 56.56% of participants who knew that sharing a meal with HIV/AIDS infected person will not transmit HIV virus. 57.47% of participants who knew that using public toilets will not spread HIV virus. CONCLUSION: Education is currently the only means of preventing the spread of HIV/AIDS. The education which is needed to protect adolescents from the virus and subsequent disease involves changes at many levels. Individuals and systems have to make changes in their thinking, behaviour, attitudes, beliefs and policies.