KNOWLEDGE , ATTITUDE AND PRACTICES TOWARDS HIV PREVENTION AMONG ADOLESCENTS ATTENDING WAKISO HEALTH CENTRE IV, WAKISO DISTRICT. A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY.

Abstract

Background: This study aims to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practices towards the prevention of HIV/AIDS among adolescents attending Wakiso Health Centre IV, Wakiso district. Methodology: The study employed a cross-sectional study design to describe the knowledge, attitude, and practices towards prevention of HIV/AIDS among adolescents attending Wakiso Health Centre IV, Wakiso district for 10 days from 50 respondents by use of a questionnaire containing questions to assess the respondent’s demographic data, knowledge, attitude and practices towards prevention of HIV/AIDS and methods. Results: 92% of them had never heard about HIV, and all were single. The majority of the respondents 50%, knew that HIV can be prevented through abstinence, 20% by condom use, 18% by being faithful and 8% by not sharing sharp objects. A small group of the respondents 4% knew about Safe Male Circumcision (SMC) and the respondents said that abstinence, use of condoms, being faithful to your partner, and not sharing sharp objects: 48%, 20%, 16%, and 12% respectively were good methods for HIV/AIDS prevention. Respondents 48% said abstinence was the best method for HIV/AIDS prevention, 80% had tested for HIV/AIDS and 60% did SMC. Conclusion: The study found out that adolescents had good knowledge of abstinence, use of condoms, being faithful, not sharing sharp objects, and inadequate knowledge of SMC, they had good attitudes towards abstinence, use of condoms, being faithful, and practiced abstinence, SMC, and HIV testing. The result justifies the effort put in by different stakeholders to create and promote awareness of the prevention of HIV among adolescents. Recommendation: Wakiso Health Centre IV should ensure sex education at all times to ensure continuous awareness of HIV prevention among adolescents.