Gender differences in KAP related to HIV/AIDS among freshmen in Afghan universities.
This cross-sectional study aimed to describe the level of knowledge, perception/ attitude, and practices related to HIV among 1,054 freshmen students in four Afghan universities differences between genders. A probability, two stage sampling method was used. Data were collected by a self administered structured questionnaire. SPSS software was used for data analysis. Descriptive and inferential statistics were performed. Most of respondents were male (72.1%), their average age was 20.1 +/- 2 years, and most were unmarried (93.4%). The majority (90.8%) were aware of HIV but only 28.3% had a good level of knowledge. Around one-third (35.6%) had a positive level of attitude toward HIV. Approximately 30% had at least one risk practice; therefore, they were counted as high-risk behavior group members. Females were statistically more knowledgeable than males, and high-risk behaviors were significantly more prevalent among males; p = 0.01 and p = 0.001, respectively. However, general awareness, and attitude were not statistically different between genders. A considerable proportion of students (14.6%), as compared to peer-countries, were sexually active. A very high level of sharing injecting needles (4.5%) and shaving sets (20.8%) were also reported among informants.
Mansoor
Abdul Basir
AB
Department of Social and Environmental Medicine, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand.
Fungladda
Wijitr
W
Kaewkungwal
Jaranit
J
Wongwit
Waranya
W
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000346:Afghanistan; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000635:transmission; D015438:Health Behavior; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D016485:Needle Sharing; D012309:Risk-Taking; D012737:Sex Factors; D013334:Students; D014495:Universities; D047568:Unsafe Sex