KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND PRACTICES TOWARDS PREVENTIONOF HIV\AIDS AMONG YOUTHS AGED 15 AND ABOVE ATTENDINGMASAKA REGIONAL REFERRAL HOSPITAL IN MASAKA CITY

Abstract

HIV continues to be a serious problem among the youth with approximately 20.6 million people
infected with HIV in Africa (UNAIDS, Global HIV/AIDS statistics, 2021). Therefore the aim of
this study was to assess the knowledge, attitude and practices towards prevention of HIV/AIDS
among youths aged 15 years and above attending Masaka Regional Referral hospital in Masaka
city.
A cross sectional study design was used in which both qualitative and quantitative data collection
methods were used.96 youths were chosen to participate in the study using a simple random
sampling technique. The sample size was determined using the Kish and Lesley (1965) method
of sample estimation. A self administered questionnaire was used to collect the data and
analyzed using frequency tables, graphs, pie charts and summary statistics.
The study results revealed that, 100% of the participants had ever heard of HIV/AIDs where
95.3% stated that HIV is transmitted through having unprotected sex, 44.79% acknowledged
condom use as a preventive measure and majority obtained information about HIV from their
former schools and health workers. Furthermore, the study also revealed that majority of the
participants had poor attitude and practices towards HIV prevention because majority( 57.29% )
of the participants stated that they were not interested in using a condom during sexual
intercourse due to some reasons and majority of the participants 52.08% had more than one
sexual partner.
Generally, the youths attending Masaka Regional Referral hospital have good knowledge
towards HIV prevention with mixed attitude and poor practices towards HIV prevention.
The study recommends that the Ministry of Health should work hand in hand with the Ministry
of education and sports and design a comprehensive sexual reproductive health program amongst
all youths in school.