Abstract
Background: Inadequate knowledge, negative attitudes towards people living with HIV/AIDS and risky practices are related to the spread of HIV infection. This study aimed to explore and test associations between knowledge, attitude and AIDS prevention behavior among students in Kham Mouane Technical-Vocation College, Lao People’s Democratic Republic. Methods: A cross-sectional, self-report questionnaire study was conducted in May 2018. Pearson's Chi-squared test and binary logistic regression was used to test the association between variables. Results: Of 939 participants, it was found that: 61.6% were women; the mean age was 20.7 years (range 18-28 years); 40.2% lived in the college dormitory; >80% drank alcoholic beverages; 31.9% drank until slightly intoxicated; 13.7% drank until drunk; and the average drinking rate was 1-2 times a month (50%). Knowledge levels about the route of HIV transmission and how it can be controlled were poor. Misunderstood issues included: HIV transmission can be controlled by having a single partner and using condoms while having sex was correctly understood by only 22.8%; 72% incorrectly reported that HIV can be transmitted through a mosquito bite; and 48.2% believed incorrectly that drinking alcohol can disinfect HIV. Attitudes towards HIV were at a moderate level: the participants believed that infected persons should not reveal themselves in public, at work or college, and that requesting a boyfriend use a condom showed mistrust. HIV prevention practices were reported at a better level: reducing opportunity for sex by not cohabiting or staying privately with a lover and wearing condoms regularly during sexual intercourse, although more than 70% still drank alcohol when visiting nightclubs, associated with an increased likelihood of unprotected sex. Conclusions: Public and community stakeholders need to design HIV prevention classes suited to college environments to improve students’ knowledge, attitudes and risky behavior practices related to HIV.
Highlights
Lao People’s Democratic Republic (PDR) is committed to the goal of the World Health Organization’s global strategy for eradicating HIV by 2030 [WHO, 2019], with external budget funds available for addressing HIV in high risk groups
The Lao PDR HIV infection prevalence among individuals aged 15 years or older was relatively low at 0.3% (0.2–0.3) in 2017 [UNAIDS, 2018] and high rates of condom use were reported among sex workers (91.8%), there are many potentially serious challenges for HIV prevention action
For monthly income given to the participants from their parents, 57.1% received more than 400,000 Lao Kip (LAK; USD $46.59), 38.3% received 100,000– 400,000 LAK (USD $11.65–46.59) and 4.6% received less than 100,000 LAK (USD $11.65)
Summary
Lao People’s Democratic Republic (PDR) is committed to the goal of the World Health Organization’s global strategy for eradicating HIV by 2030 [WHO, 2019], with external budget funds available for addressing HIV in high risk groups. The Lao PDR HIV infection prevalence among individuals aged 15 years or older was relatively low at 0.3% (0.2–0.3) in 2017 [UNAIDS, 2018] and high rates of condom use were reported among sex workers (91.8%), there are many potentially serious challenges for HIV prevention action. Continuing stigma and discrimination has created barriers for at-risk populations to access HIV screening, prevention, treatment and care [Bowring et al, 2015]. It was found from behavior surveillance surveys in 2017 [UNAIDS, 2018] that prevention programs for female sex workers only achieved 50% coverage. HIV prevention practices were reported at a better level: reducing opportunity for sex by not cohabiting or staying privately with a lover
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