HIV/AIDS risk self-perception and intention to adopt preventive methods among in-school youth in Nekemte Town East Wollega Zone, Oromia Regional State

Abstract

Background: Currently due to changing conditions of urbanization and associated life styles, the health of youth is increasingly at risk. Sexually transmitted infections including HIV/AIDS and other reproductive health problems are the greatest threats to their well being. So, meeting their need today is critical for a wide range of policies and programs, because the actions of young people will shape the size, health, and prosperity of the world’s future population. In Sub-Saharan African countries which contributes for the high prevalence of HIV/AIDS where at high risk factors for acquisition of HIV (multiple sex partner, failing to have a protected sex); young people in sub-Sahara Africa often perceive themselves as they were being at low risk of HIV infection. Objectives: To assess perception of risk of HIV/AIDS and intention to adopt preventive behaviors among school youth in Nekemte town. Methods: A school based cross sectional study design using both quantitative and qualitative methods of data collection was conducted in Nekemte town in October 2013. A total of 417 youths aged 15-24 years old were selected using simple random sampling technique. A structured questionnaire was used to collect information on socio-demographic data, pattern of substance use, sexual behavior, perceptions of risk for HIV/AIDS, intention to adopt preventive behaviors. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 16.0. Result: We found that 68 (17%) of school youth perceived that they were at risk of contracting with HIV/AIDS. From a key concepts of HIV preventive options more than 70% of the study participants intended to be remain faith full to their partner while 155(38.8%) of students proposed abstinence as adoption of preventive behaviors. Conclusion and Recommendation: This study showed that perception of risk of HIV/AIDS was low among school youth even though they were engaged in risky sexual behavior. From this study, we can conclude that, the low level of risk perception of school youth suggests that the population is vulnerable to HIV/ AIDS. So, the town education bureau, health bureau and non-governmental organization especially those working on HIVAIDS should better to work on school based education related to risky sexual behaviors and associated factors to prevent consequence of risky sexual engagement among school youth.