infectious-diseases-std-aids-2018-posters-abstracts

Infectious Diseases

and STD-AIDS

Infectious Diseases and STD-AIDS 2018

Journal of Transmitted Diseases and Immunity

ISSN 2471-8084

A p r i l 2 6 , 2 7 2 0 1 8

R o m e , I t a l y

Page 67

J Transm Dis Immun 2018 Volume 2

DOI: 10.21767/2573-0320-C1-003

Background & Objective:

HIV/AIDS is one of the worst population health and development crises in Africa where over 88 percent

of HIV infection and sexual and reproductive health (SRH) problems affecting the youth is found between 15 and 25 years old, and

over 60% are women. The university students and staff are not immune from the risks and impacts of the epidemic. This study

sought to assess risks to HIV/SRH problems and trends of change in the level of knowledge, attitude and behaviors of students

and young staff community in the selected higher education institutions in Ethiopia.

Method:

A cross-sectional survey was conducted between April and July 2017. Mixed methods of combining structured survey

questionnaire (conducted first), focus group discussions and key informant interviews (to draw out insights gained from the

quantitative part) were conducted.

Results:

Out of 1750 respondents, 1738 returned the questionnaire. The majority (79%) of respondents generally aware about the

HIV related risk factors, ways of transmission (76%) and HIV prevention (72%) and related HIV/SRH problems. All respondents

never perceive their specific risk for HIV. Unsafe sex and multiple concurrent sexual partnerships (MCP) were reported by

68% of female students joined the universities from rural settings, among all socio-cultural and religious groups, and 58% of

young teaching staff. No significant change in the level of comprehensive knowledge on combination prevention programs and

compatibility with the desired behavior change towards SRH problems and HIV. Qualitative data support this finding.

Conclusion:

Positive changes in awareness and attitudes toward HIV/AIDS were identified, yet trends and levels of comprehensive

knowledge and compatibility with safe behaviors are found inadequate or lacking. Based on the findings of the study a model for

contextualized combination prevention intervention program is suggested for future actions of owning and sustaining feasible

programs for the youth in the higher education institutions.

Evaluation of HIV prevention programs in addressing

sexual and reproductive health needs targeted on

changing knowledge, attitude and behaviors among

students and young university staff in Ethiopia

Philipos P. Gile

Ethiopian Civil Service University Addis Ababa, Ethiopia