| Abstract |
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Background: Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) has emerged as a major health and development concern worldwide. Today, more than half of all new infections strike people under the age of 25 years. In Ethiopia, information on knowledge about HIV/AIDS among these early adolescents is a little known. Therefore, this study aimed to assess knowledge and misconception on HIV/AIDS among school students within the window of opportunity in North Ethiopia. Methods: A school based cross sectional study was conducted among primary school students in Mekelle City from February 1 to 30, 2013. A total of 845 students were included in the study using a multi-stage sampling technique. Descriptive, binary and multiple logistic regression analyses were performed using SPSS version 16. Results: A total of 845 students were participated in the study (97.6%) of the plan. Respondents had poor knowledge on transmission (35.8%) and prevention (56.6%) methods of HIV/AIDS. School source of information [AOR=2.39, 95%CI (1.41, 4.06)] and peer discussion [AOR=1.60, 95% CI (1.17, 2.17)] were the factors that lead for students to have a good knowledge on transmission methods of HIV/AIDS. Paternal education [AOR=0.50, 95%CI (0.31, 0.81)], parental discussion [AOR=1.55, 95%CI (1.16, 2.07)] and school source of information [AOR=1.58, 95% CI (1.01, 2.46)] were also the factors that predict good knowledge on prevention methods of HIV/AIDS. Conclusion: There exists poor knowledge on prevention and transmission methods and also a misconception towards HIV/AIDS. So, strengthening the current HIV/AIDS education program and further revising strategies for AIDS risk reduction in adolescents should be considered. |
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