Abstract

Understanding factors associated with the level of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) knowledge acquisition is crucial to inform preventative programmes for young people. This study examines predictors of HIV knowledge among Jordanian youths. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 8,129 youths aged between 14 and 25 years randomly selected from schools representing each of the 12 governorates of Jordan. A total of 50% of respondents were female and, on average, 17 years old. Participants completed a self-administered questionnaire covering sociodemographic characteristics, HIV knowledge, gender awareness, exposure to and favourable attitudes toward risky behaviours. On a 13-item HIV knowledge test, participants answered an average of 7 questions correctly (mean = 7.21; standard deviation = 2.63). Female respondents from rural areas demonstrated significantly lower levels of HIV knowledge, while college and university students demonstrated higher levels. HIV knowledge differed significantly by sources of information, with peer-acquired information associated with more accuracy, while HIV information from parents or health centres was associated with a lower score. Youths with more egalitarian gender views also demonstrated higher knowledge levels, whereas youths approving of drug use showed lower levels of HIV knowledge. HIV education programmes in Jordan should focus on females and youths living in rural areas. Educational institutions have been shown to be effective in providing accurate information to students, while parents and health professionals should also be included in HIV prevention programmes in order to reduce misconceptions and raise the level of HIV knowledge among Jordanian youths.

Highlights

  • Understanding factors associated with the level of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) knowledge acquisition is crucial to inform preventative programmes for young people

  • Advances in Knowledge - Limited research on human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) has been conducted among young people in Jordan. - The findings of this study have significant implications for the practice and support of HIV education programmes for youth. - Adolescents need to be aware of HIV and methods that contribute to its prevention

  • The total sample consisted of 8,129 youths and was distributed by gender, with 4,064 male participants (50%) and 4,065 female participants (50%)

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Summary

Introduction

Abstract: Objectives: Understanding factors associated with the level of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) knowledge acquisition is crucial to inform preventative programmes for young people. Conclusion: HIV education programmes in Jordan should focus on females and youths living in rural areas. Educational institutions have been shown to be effective in providing accurate information to students, while parents and health professionals should be included in HIV prevention programmes in order to reduce misconceptions and raise the level of HIV knowledge among Jordanian youths. Individuals under the age of 25 continue to account for more than half of new human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) cases around the world.[1] The median age of the population in Jordan is 22 years, and about three-quarters of Jordan’s 6 million people are under the age of 25.2 Countries with a large proportion of youth tend to have a high prevalence of HIV.[3,4]. Globalisation, changes in sociocultural norms, poverty, and high levels of migration in Jordan may increase youths’ exposure to high-risk behaviours, including unprotected sex

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