Assessment of comprehensive HIV/AIDS knowledge level among in‐school adolescents in eastern Ethiopia

Abstract

IntroductionIn Ethiopia, more adolescents are in school today than ever before; however, there are no studies that have assessed their comprehensive knowledge of HIV/AIDS. Thus, this study tried to assess the level of this knowledge and the factors associated with it among in-school adolescents in eastern Ethiopia.MethodsA cross-sectional school-based study was conducted using a facilitator-guided self-administered questionnaire. The respondents were students attending regular school in 14 high schools located in 14 different districts in eastern Ethiopia. The proportion of in-school adolescents with comprehensive HIV/AIDS knowledge was computed and compared by sex. The factors that were associated with the comprehensive HIV/AIDS knowledge were assessed using bivariate and multivariable logistic regression.ResultsOnly about one in four, 677 (24.5%), in-school adolescents have comprehensive HIV/AIDS knowledge. The knowledge was better among in-school adolescents from families with a relatively middle or high wealth index (adjusted OR [95% CI]=1.39 [1.03–1.87] and 1.75 [1.24–2.48], respectively), who got HIV/AIDS information mainly from friends or mass media (adjusted OR [95% CI]=1.63 [1.17–2.27] and 1.55 [1.14–2.11], respectively) and who received education on HIV/AIDS and sexual matters at school (adjusted OR [95% CI]=1.59 [1.22–2.08]). The females were less likely to have comprehensive HIV/AIDS knowledge compared to males (adjusted OR and [95% CI]=0.60 [0.49–0.75]).ConclusionsIn general, only about a quarter of in-school adolescents had comprehensive HIV/AIDS knowledge. Although the female adolescents are highly vulnerable to HIV infection and its effects, they were by far less likely to have comprehensive HIV/AIDS knowledge. HIV/AIDS information, education and communication activities need to be intensified in high schools.

Determinants and Distribution of Comprehensive HIV/AIDS Knowledge in Ghana

“…On the contrary, the probability that a female will possess comprehensive is reduced compared to males. The effect of gender on comprehensive HIV/AIDS is similar to the findings of Oljira et al, (2013) in a study among in-school adolescents in eastern Ethiopia. They suggest that such gender effects on HIV/AIDS knowledge may result from cultural norms and values which may restrict females from discussing sexually related issues and encourages such discussions amongst males.…”

Comprehensive Pregnancy Knowledge Level among Out-of-School Youths in Wayu Tuka District, Western Ethiopia

“…The level of comprehensive pregnancy knowledge among out of school youths in this study was lower than study conducted in eastern Hararge zone (18.5%) (12). This may be due to the difference in the study subjects since the study in eastern Hararge was conducted on in school adolescents and this study was conducted on out of school youths.…”

Trends and Determinants of Comprehensive Knowledge of HIV among Adolescents and Young Adults in Nigeria: 2003 - 2013

“…As in other studies 35,48 , wealth status of households of young people also seems to play a significant role in shaping the level of comprehensive knowledge of HIV among young people in Nigeria. For instance, among unmarried youth in Cameroon, living in poor households and disadvantaged neighborhoods significantly increased inaccurate knowledge of HIV transmission modes and prevention strategies 35 ; while in eastern Ethiopia, comprehensive knowledge of HIV and AIDS was better among inschool adolescents from families with a relatively middle or high wealth index 48 .…”

“…For instance, among unmarried youth in Cameroon, living in poor households and disadvantaged neighborhoods significantly increased inaccurate knowledge of HIV transmission modes and prevention strategies 35 ; while in eastern Ethiopia, comprehensive knowledge of HIV and AIDS was better among inschool adolescents from families with a relatively middle or high wealth index 48 . In this study, youth from average and rich households respectively had more comprehensive knowledge of HIV significantly more than youth from poor households.…”