The perception of preparatory students of the risk of contracting human immuno-deficiency virus and sexually transmitted infections in Adama, Eastern Showa, Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia
Regebe Berhanu Belay
This study explored preparatory students’ perceptions of the risk of contracting the
Human Immuno-deficiency Virus (HIV) and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in
Ethopia. It utilised a non-experimental exploratory survey methodology. A range of
findings was revealed. Most respondents (67.14%) were knowledgeable about
HIV/AIDS and more than half of the respondents knew about STIs. A significant number
of respondents (67.1%) were able to describe HIV transmission prevention methods.
Twenty one percent of respondents were sexually active and 17.0% of these reported to
have used condoms. Twenty nine percent and 4.25% of the respondents had selfperceived
risk of contracting HIV infection and STIs respectively. In spite of increased
awareness of HIV/AIDS, school youths still engage in high-risk sexual activities and
believe that they are unlikely to contract the disease. The study findings have
implications for practice, and recommendations are offered for further research
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