Knowledge of HIV/AIDS prevention among youth aged 18 to 24 years attending Kyabadaaza Health Centre III. A cross-sectional study.
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.71020/cq2sw013Keywords:
Knowledge of HIV/AIDS prevention, youth, Kyabadaaza health centre III, Butambala district, Central Uganda.Abstract
Background: Human Immunodeficiency Virus and Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (HIV/AIDS) remain critical public health crises. This study aims at assessing the knowledge of youth aged 18 to 24 years towards HIV/AIDS prevention at Kyabadaaza Health Centre in Butambala District.
Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional study design to collect quantitative data. A convenience sampling method was used to select 50 participants, and the questionnaire method was used to collect data, which was then analysed with Microsoft Excel. Results were then presented in the form of tables and figures.
Findings: Majority of the respondents, 25(50%) were aged 18-20 years, 10(20%) were aged 23-24 years, 30(60%) were female, while 20(40%) were male. Most of them 15(30%) had tertiary level 15(30%) while 5(10%) had none. Majority of respondents were single, 35(70%) while 2(4%) were widowed. Knowledge level towards HIV/AIDS prevention showed that the majority, 30(60%), of respondents agreed that they had heard about HIV/AIDS; however, 20(40%) said that witchcraft was the main mode of HIV transmission. Most, 35(70%), agreed that consistent and correct use of condoms could prevent HIV infection; 35(70%) of the respondents agreed that they know where to get HIV testing services near them.
Conclusion: The youths had mediocre HIV prevention knowledge. Misconceptions about HIV transmission persisted among some respondents despite the fact that the majority had heard about HIV/AIDS.
Recommendation: Health workers should also intensify outreach programs and health talks to ensure accurate information reaches more young people. Health workers should also intensify outreach programs and health talks to ensure accurate information reaches more young people.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Patricia Namanda, Hasifa Nansereko, Frank Ssemuwemba, Immaculate Prosperia Naggulu, Dr. Jane Frank Nalubega
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