Medicina Comunitária e Educação em Saúde

Abstrato

Knowledge, Attitude and Behavioral Practices Regarding HIV/AIDS Infection and Prevention among Rural Students in Cameroon

Ombotto S, Nonga BN, Ntone F, Ambassa G, Zonk DA

Objective: The objective of this study was to determine knowledge, attitudes and practices towards HIV/AIDS infection and prevention among Youth form a rural zone in Cameroon. Materials and methods: We conducted a cross sectional study from January to April 2014 in students 15-24 years living in a rural zone in Cameroon. We included all consenting students who have accepted to answer to a self- administered questionnaire. Results: We recruited 956 students with a sex ratio of 0.67. The mean age was 18 ± 2.2 years. All the students have heard about HIV and 88% knew about at least one mean for prevention. The hospital was the best place for screening in 75% of them and for treatment in 59% of the students. More than half (53%) were sexually active: 63% from them had 2 to 3 partners, 17% had casual partners, 42% did not used condoms during last sexual intercourse and the mains reasons for that were rush and trust. In this study, 82% of the students have never done a screening test. Conclusion: Although all the students have heard about HIV, more information is needed for screening, treatment and prevention measures.