Knowledge, attitude and practices concerning HIV/AIDS among Hossana CTE student teachers, SNNPR region, Ethiopia

Abstract

The main purpose of this research was to examine the knowledge, attitudes and practices of students of Hossana CTE regarding HIV/AIDS. To achieve this, a cross-sectional research design was employed. 157 students, 97 males and 60 females were drawn randomly from the three year levels. The participants’ age range was from17-26. Data was collected using questionnaire and scales. The collected data were analyzed in descriptive and inferential statistics namely frequencies, percentages, t-test and one way ANOVA. Thus, the study revealed that student’s common sources of information to know about HIV/AIDS were health professionals, Television, Radio, Pamphlets, Teachers and Newspapers respectively; though significant number of students had different misconceptions and knowledge deficiencies with regard to routes of transmissions and ways of preventions of HIV/AIDS. Likewise, there was generally undesirable attitude among students towards HIV/AIDS and PLWHAs. With regard to their practice, the study figured out that students had risky sexual practices (early sexual experience, less use of condoms, abundant sharing of sharp materials). Furthermore, the t-test result revealed that no statistically significant gender difference was found in knowledge and attitude of participants except for the practice. In the same vein, no statistically significant difference was observed in knowledge, attitude and practice among year I, year II and year III students. Finally, the study recommended that the need to address the knowledge, attitude and practice to mitigate gaps observed through designing and implementing relevant intervention programs.