Knowledge, attitude and practice regarding HIV/AIDS among secondary school students in Mekelle City, Ethiopia

Abstract

HIV/AIDS is one of the most serious health problems in the world which infects economically productive 
young adults. The objective of this study is to assess the level of knowledge, attitude and practice 
regarding HIV/AIDS amongst secondary school students in Makelle city, Northern Ethiopia. A cross– 
sectional survey was conducted among students enrolled in secondary schools of Mekelle city. 240 
students were taken from different secondary schools in the city. Data was collected using a validated self
administered standardized questionnaire on knowledge, attitude and practice regarding HIV/AIDS. Data 
were analyzed using STATA software. Our study found that 85.5% respondents have good knowledge about 
HIV/AIDS, but a negative attitude towards it. 75% of the respondents point out that they had used condom 
during sexual intercourse, 66.6% of them use regularly condom and have habit of using it and none of the 
respondents had sex with commercial sex workers. HIV/AIDS health education efforts should be intensified 
to improve the attitude and practice among secondary school students in Mekelle city.