Survey of knowledge, behaviour and attitudes relating to HIV infection and AIDS among kenyan secondary school students

Abstract

To evaluate the knowledge, attitudes and sexual behaviour with respect to HIV and AIDS among Kenyan secondary school students, a questionnaire was issued to 3,018 students of mean age 16.3 years in 11 Kenyan schools. Questions of knowledge were answered correctly by an average of 77.1% of students. Areas where students' knowledge was less complete included the inability of mosquitoes to transmit the virus, the protective effect of condoms, the lack of protection from medications, the fatal and incurable nature of AIDS, and the fact that those infected with HIV may appear healthy. No prior sexual experience was reported by 71.3% of females and 25.2% of males. Multiple sexual partners were reported by 41.2% of males and 7.3% of females. Sixty per cent of students denied ever using condoms during sex and only 6.8% of those with multiple partners used them all the time. A prior sexually-transmitted disease was reported by 5.6% of students. Although a high level of knowledge regarding HIV and AIDS is evident among Kenyan students there is a sizable number who admit to extensive sexual experience, but who are not using condoms, thereby putting themselves at risk.

HIV/AIDS Knowledge and Sexual Behavior Among Junior Secondary School Students in South Africa

“…Comparing HIV knowledge with other studies is difficult since mostly other items have been used and most studies involved older age groups. In one study with a similar age group among Kenyan secondary school students (M=16.3 years) 21.9% had misconceptions of transmission of HIV through mosquitoes as compared to 27.1% in this study (M=15.6 years) [11]. In a South African national youth survey (12-17 years) 7% agreed and 18% responded "Don't know" to the statement "Having sex with a virgin cures you of AIDS" [12].…”

Study of perceived norms, beliefs and intended sexual behaviour among higher secondary school students in India

“…In a study among tenth grade New York city high school students, Kasen et al (1992) reveals that for tenth grade students, a school-based hospital outreach sex education programme was effective in delaying initiation of sexual intercourse. The role of peers as educators is increasing in creating awareness and transforming a safer behaviour pattern (Pattullo et al, 1994) for AIDS prevention as has been reported in a Kenyan study.…”

Influências das normas de gênero na prevenção de Aids: avaliando um modelo educativo para jovens

“…As 152 Kipke et al (1993), Kalichman et al (1997), Ashworth et al (1992), Pattullo et al (1994), Newman et al (1993). 153 Lawrence et al (1995).…”

“…37 Aspinwall et al (1991), Hays et al (1990), Allard (1989), Basen-Engquist (1992), Hingson et al (1990), Campbell & Stewart (1992 Lear, D. (1995) 39 Catania et al (1991), Kegeles et al (1988). 40 Catania et al (1991), Basen-Engquist (1992), Pattullo et al (1994), Guttmacher, et al (1995), Aplasca et al (1995), Paiva (1996). 41 Lear (1995), Cambell & Stewart (1992).…”

“…231 Basen-Engquist et al (1994); Bellingham e Gillies (1993);Cáceres (1994 Paiva (1996). 234 Aplasca et al (1995); Kipke et al (1993);Pattullo et al (1994); Guttmacher et al (1995); Lawrence et al (1995). 235 Paiva (1995 Lear (1995).…”