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Abstract:
Background: HIV continues to spread rapidly, mainly due to lack of knowledge and practices about HIV/AIDS in the general population. Sub Saharan Africa especially, is severely affected by the burden of HIV with 70% of the world's HIV infected living in this area. Objectives: To assess HIV prevention related knowledge and attitude of high school student. Methods: A cross sectional survey was conducted. Results: A total of 75 students completed the questionnaire. The majority of the students (89%) knew that having unprotected sex with an infected person is the main source of transmission of HIV/AIDS. The majority agreed that the disease can be prevented by using condoms (89%), by abstaining from sexual intercourse (85%), and by avoid sharing razor blades (87%). Some misconceptions were present with 23% of the students being uncertain if HIV can spread by bathing in same basin, 15% not knowing if mosquitoes spread HIV, and 16% being unsure if you can get HIV by eating together with an HIV infected. A favourable attitude towards people living with HIV was present. Conclusion: The awareness about methods of prevention of HIV/AIDS was generally good, although some misconceptions were present. There is a continuous need to educate and raise awareness
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