Knowledge and attitude towards VCT services; among adolescent high school students in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
No Thumbnail Available
Date
2005-05
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Addis Abeba Universty
Abstract
A cross sectional descriptive study was conducted in February – March 2005, in
senior secondary high schools found in Addis Ababa town. High school students
(grade 9-12) were included in the study to determine their perception and attitude
towards voluntary counseling and testing (VCT) services.
A multi stage sampling method was used, and 819 students were included for the
analysis (97% response rate), to fill out a structured and pre tested questionnaire.
A qualitative study with focus group discussion (FGD) was also conducted with
two groups (male and female) students selected from anti AIDS club members to
supplement some findings from the quantitative data.
Among the respondents 436 (53.2%) were males and 383 (46.8%) were females;
161 (19.7%) of the respondents have sexual experience, or ever had sex
intercourse, i.e. 22.5% of the males and 16.4% of the total females. The majority,
92.1% of them know (have heard) about VCT services from different sources but
only 129 (15.8%) of the students had used the services & 41.4% said it is
expensive for them; 59.5% and 52.5% of the students suggested for the VCT
services to be located in schools and youth clubs respectively, for a better access
to adolescents.
During the focus group discussion, the students said they have shortage of
reference materials about HIV/AIDS at school and that there is lack of support to
anti AIDS clubs in and out of the school.
7
In conclusion, it could be worth considering to involve schools, teachers and anti
AIDS clubs to extend VCT services and reach adolescents in an effective way.
Description
Keywords
Knowledge and attitude towards VCT services