Knowledge, Practices and Challenges on HIV/AIDS Among High School Students in Wombera District, Benishangul Gumuz, Ethiopia

Abstract

Human Immunodeficiency virus, commonly known as HIV infects the cells of human immune system and destroys them which later develop into an advanced condition called Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome. The aim of this study is to assess the knowledge, practices and challenges of HIV/AIDS infection and prevention among some selected high school students of Wombera district, Benishangul Gumuz, Ethiopia. Simple random sampling method was used to select the representative population. The data were collected through the multistage based close-ended and, open ended questionnaires. In addition, secondary data were collected through document observation. Among the total respondents, 46(38%) males and 45(37.2%) females know as HIV/AIDS is sexually transmitted disease. Generally, the results indicated that most of the students were aware of about the methods of transmission and prevention of HIV/AIDS infection. In spite of the high level of knowledge, there were also misconception and assumption toward the transmission methods of HIV/ AIDS infection. Keywords: HIV/AIDS, Knowledge, Practice, Students, Secondary High Schools DOI: 10.7176/ALST/79-03 Publication date: March 31 st 2020