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- Title
Knowledge and Attitude among Adolescents towards HIV/AIDS.
- Authors
Bokhamseen, Ahmed; Shammari, Bader Al; Alsaai, Maan; Alotaibi, Fahad; Moosa, Nouf; Alsaloom, Randa; Albraik, Rawan; Jabal, Saeed Bin; Alajlan, Saleh; Alwahhabi, Talal; Moosa, Khairya
- Abstract
Background: HIV is an immunodeficiency caused by retrovirus. WHO defined HIV as a global health emergency. The inadequate knowledge, negative attitude and risky practices among adolescents are considered major hindrances in preventing the spread of HIV. Objective: To evaluate the level of the knowledge and attitude among adolescents 16-19 years old towards HIV/AIDs and to determine the difference in the knowledge and attitude between adolescent males and females. Design: A Cross-Sectional Study. Setting: Shopping malls in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia, Al Khobar (Al Rashid Mall, Al Dhahran Mall, Foad Center and Qussaibi Village). Method: Four hundred randomly selected adolescents were recruited in the study; 200 males and 200 females aged 16-19 years were questioned about their knowledge and attitude towards HIV. The data was entered and analyzed using SPSS 20. Result: The majority of the studied group were aware of HIV and its mode of transmission; the major source of their information were from the media, 157 (39.2%). However, 44 (11%) never heard about it. However, females demonstrated a slightly better knowledge compared to males. The majority of the respondents had a negative attitude towards an HIV-positive person, avoiding shaking hands and/or sitting with them. Conclusion: The surveyed adolescents had moderate knowledge and attitude about HIV/AIDS. The study highlighted some misconceptions about HIV transmission, intolerant attitude, stigma and discrimination towards HIV, which need to be addressed. HIV/AIDS related education programs should include specific interventions to change the practices.
- Subjects
HIV infections &; psychology; ATTITUDES toward AIDS (Disease); TEENAGER attitudes
- Publication
Bahrain Medical Bulletin, 2015, Vol 37, Issue 3, p6
- ISSN
1012-8298
- Publication type
Article