KNOWLEDGE AND ATTITUDES TOWARDS HIV/AIDS AMONG THE YOUTH OF MAMPROBI

Abstract

HIV / AIDS continue to be a major threat to the development of every nation. The youth, due to their inexperience and risky behaviors can become prone to getting the infection. The purpose of this study was to explore the, knowledge and attitudes towards HIV/AIDS among the youth of Mamprobi. A cross-sectional quantitative research design was employed and a Convenience sampling method was used to select100 teenagers from the Mamprobi community. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data which was analyzed using Microsoft Excel Software version 2016. Results showed that 52 percent of the respondents were males whiles 48% were females. 82% have good knowledge about the infection and describe is as a viral infection that affects the immune system and 79% of the reported it can be transmitted through unprotected sex with an infected person. Respondents have positive attitude towards persons living with HIV / AIDS and also see themselves as at risk of getting the infection (54%). Though the reported that anybody walking on the street could be infected with the HIV (65%), they still engage in risky sexual behaviors that put them at risk for getting the infection such as not using condoms during sex (84%) and they are also unwilling to test for the HIV (85%). Educational programs that encourages safer sex and testing for the HIV could help modify the risky behaviors of the youth.