P3.381 Knowledge and Attitude Towards HIV/AIDS Among Post-Secondary School Malaysian Urban Youths

Abstract

Background: Post secondary school, young people may continue to study or will seek work opportunities. They are exposed to a different environment which may influence their knowledge and attitude towards HIV/AIDS. The aim of this paper is to compare the knowledge and attitude of post-secondary school urban youths towards HIV/AIDS. Method(s): This was a cross-sectional survey using self administered questionnaire of young urban Malaysians age 18-24 years who were either enrolled in randomly selected private or public colleges and universities, or formally employed in private or public workplaces in the Klang Valley. Result(s): Compared to the 973 students, the 615 workers who participated in this study were significantly older (22.6 + 1.5 years versus 20.4 + 1.7 years), 12.2% versus 0.8% were married, and 88.5% versus 80.1% were Muslims. Both groups had fairly good knowledge of HIV/AIDS and its prevention and did not show significant difference in their mean knowledge of HIV/AIDS. However, misconception on transmission of the disease persist when 35-40% thought sitting on toilet seats and 50% thought HIV can be transmitted through mosquito bites; and 47.5% of workers and 51.3% of students had negative attitudes towards HIV and people with HIV/AIDS. Only 48.1% of workers and 41.7% of students were sure that condom is an effective way of protecting against HIV/AIDS while both, about 20%, reported peers, and 18.0% students and 9.8% workers reported teachers/school counsellors as important sources of information on HIV/AIDS. Conclusion(s): Knowledge and attitude of the two groups of youths did not show significant differences although working youths seems to be slightly more open about HIV/AIDS and the use of condom for prevention of STDs. Workplace or college-based health promotion for prevention of HIV/STDs should be developed and maintained since misconception remains and negative attitude is still prevalent in these post-secondary school youths.