Knowledge, attitudes and practices towards HIV and AIDS prevention measures among male learners in secondary schools in Oshana region, Namibia
Despite mass media campaigns to provide information on how to promote healthy lifestyle and sexual behaviour among the population, especially among the youth, there is evidence that risky sexual behaviour are more prevalent among males than females (UNAIDS, 2013c), putting them at the risk of acquiring Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). Not much is known about the knowledge, attitude and practices of male learners in secondary schools in Namibia on HIV prevention and their practices thereof. The aim of the study was to assess the knowledge, attitudes and practices on HIV and AIDS prevention measures among male learners in secondary schools in Oshana Region. A quantitative approach using a cross sectional study design was employed. Quantitative approach was considered appropriate to determine the level of knowledge, attitudes and practices toward HIV and AIDS preventive measures among male learners in the above region. A total population of five hundred and ninety two (592) male learners, aged 14-21 years from four (4) Secondary Schools in Oshana region was included in the study. Data was collected by utilizing an anonymous structured questionnaire with mostly close-ended questions. Data analysis was done using Epi-Info version 7 (CDC) and SPSS version 17 (IBM). Descriptive analysis of knowledge was presented using proportions and frequencies. The score of attitudes was categorized as positive or negative and practices were categorized as safe or risky practices. The responses were listed and similar responses were grouped together to understand the suggestions from the respondents on effective HIV preventive measures among youth. Based on the study results, there was a high level of awareness among the respondents on HIV/AIDS routes of transmission, control and preventive measures. However, misconceptions about HIV and AIDS transmission exist among some of the respondents. The study findings revealed that negative attitudes towards people with HIV and AIDS are relatively low from 1.4% to 2.9%. However, some risky sexual practices have also been observed among the respondents. The study revealed that among all respondents in all the schools surveyed, over 25% had engaged in unprotected sexual intercourse. The majority of the learners who participated in the study believe that condom use and being faithful to a partner were the most effective HIV preventive measures among the youth. Recommendations are made to strengthen health education among youth, and reproductive health consequences of pre-marital sex should be explained to learners to prevent complications of reproductive tract infection. It is also essential to involve youth from the initial process of planning or designing HIV and AIDS prevention programmes. Their engagement in the development of HIV-prevention programmes is critical to programme success. The study was strictly voluntary and confidentiality ensured. Future studies should similarly address knowledge, attitude and practices on HIV prevention among female learners as well as look into factors that influence the utilization of existing HIV/AIDS prevention programmes among the youth.
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