HIV/AIDS prevalence, knowledge, attitudes and related behaviors among young people in Libreville, Gabon

Abstract

The few available data that exist show that the prevalence of HIV infection among adolescents in Gabon is increasing. This study aimed to assess HIV-related knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAPs) of high school and college students in Libreville, Gabon. A sample size of 601 students(258 males and 343females) aged between 12 and 24 years was selected by systematic random sampling. Results showed that half of the respondents were aware of HIV transmission through sexual intercourse (55.7%), from mother to child (48.3%) and through sharing needles or syringes (51.8%). About 15.14% of students had an idea of unsafe practices related to HIV transmission. About 55.7% of respondents reported to have positive attitude towards people living with HIV/AIDS. About 45.3% of the respondents reported willingness to study in a school with HIV-positive friends and 39.3% of the respondents reported that can attend a school with HIV-positive teachers. Only about 25.62% of the respondents who reported to engage in sexual activities used condoms. The study showed that students have inadequate information about HIV/AIDS transmission and prevention and therefore appropriate measures need to be urgently instituted to reduce spread of HIV/AIDS in this population.