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Licata F, Angelillo S, Oliverio A, Di Gennaro G, Bianco A. How to Safeguard University Students Against HIV Transmission? Results of a Cross-Sectional Study in Southern Italy. Front Med (Lausanne) 2022; 9:903596. [PMID: 35814762 PMCID: PMC9263725 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2022.903596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2022] [Accepted: 05/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Young people represent a growing share of the group living with HIV, and monitoring the sexual behaviors of this vulnerable age group is necessary to control and prevent the HIV/AIDS pandemic. The present study has been conducted to investigate the level of knowledge and attitudes toward HIV infection and sexual behaviors among a sample of undergraduate university students in Southern Italy. Methods Data were collected through an anonymous online questionnaire between 1st to 31st July 2020 and included questions on socio-demographic and sexual history characteristics, knowledge and attitudes toward HIV infection, sexual behaviors, and sources of information about HIV. The eligibility criteria for the study were: age between 18 and 30 years and registered as an undergraduate student at the university. Results Among the 1,318 students who completed the survey, 62.5% knew that HIV can be transmitted through blood, vaginal secretions and semen. The overall median knowledge score was 10, and the main determinants of knowledge were being younger and attending to medical or life science majors. Less than half of the students (45.8%) reported that they always wear a condom during any sexual activity. Predictors of consistent condom use were being younger, having a later sexual debut and a good knowledge score. Conclusions The study findings showed a not completely satisfactory level of knowledge and unsafe sex practices among university students. These results reiterate the need to tailor HIV prevention strategies among young individuals. Such a change could dispel misconceptions about HIV transmission and prevention that affect risk-taking sexual behaviors. These strategies may ultimately contribute to lessing the effect of HIV/AIDS transmission in Italy.
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Jaspal R. Stigma and HIV Concealment Motivation among Gay Men Living with HIV in Finland. JOURNAL OF HOMOSEXUALITY 2022; 69:699-715. [PMID: 33320069 DOI: 10.1080/00918369.2020.1851958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
This study explored experiences of HIV stigma among gay men in Finland and the impact of these experiences on decision-making concerning HIV status disclosure. Seventeen gay men living with HIV in Finland participated in a qualitative interview study and the data were analyzed using thematic analysis. The results focus on the following themes: (1) "Social support impedes social stigma;" (2) "Social support and the risk of HIV stigma," which describes how the pursuit of social support can expose some individuals to stigma; and (3) "HIV concealment motivation as a coping strategy," focusing on the motivation to conceal one's HIV status from others to avoid stigma. It is necessary to promote awareness and understanding of HIV in Finnish society, to challenge HIV stigma and, crucially, to facilitate access to social support among those diagnosed with HIV. This is likely to have favorable implications for both psychological and public health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rusi Jaspal
- School of Social Sciences, Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham, UK
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Jaspal R, Eriksson P, Nynäs P. Identity, Threat and Coping among Gay Men Living with HIV in Finland. COGENT PSYCHOLOGY 2021. [DOI: 10.1080/23311908.2021.1878980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Rusi Jaspal
- Department of Psychology, Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham, UK
| | - Panda Eriksson
- Faculty of Arts, Psychology and Theology, Åbo Akademi University, Turku, Finland
| | - Peter Nynäs
- Faculty of Arts, Psychology and Theology, Åbo Akademi University, Turku, Finland
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Evlyn D, Cayami FK, Ediati A, Utari A, Winarni TI. Attitudes of Indonesian health science undergraduates toward sexuality in individuals with intellectual disabilities. RESEARCH IN DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES 2021; 118:104082. [PMID: 34507052 DOI: 10.1016/j.ridd.2021.104082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2021] [Revised: 08/06/2021] [Accepted: 08/28/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sexuality is a fundamental part of the lives of human beings. However, a significant inequality exists regarding the right of an individual with intellectual disabilities. AIMS This study aimed to explore the attitudes of undergraduate health science students toward sexuality in individuals with intellectual disability (ID) in Indonesia. METHODS A cross-sectional study was performed using the Indonesian version of Attitudes toward Sexuality Questionnaires in Intellectual Disability (ASQ-ID). This study involved 617 students in medical, psychology, and public health undergraduate programs. RESULTS Among all participants (n = 617, male = 137, female = 480), the attitude towards self-control was found a significant difference among all three health science undergraduates (p = .01). The psychology students had the most favorable attitudes toward self-control compared to other students. The difference was found between medical and public health students and between public health and psychology students with p = .009 and p = .011, respectively. Religion was significantly affected for the non-reproductive sexual behavior subscale (p = .038). The religion was found to have significant effect on the attitude towards nonreproductive sexual behavior subscale (p = .038). CONCLUSIONS Results show that Indonesian undergraduate students majoring in the health sciences have varying attitudes toward sexuality in individuals with ID. Medical and psychology students have more favorable attitudes toward self-control, whereas public health students have less favorable attitudes. Their religion influencing the attitudes toward nonreproductive sexual behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Desiyana Evlyn
- Faculty of Medicine, Diponegoro University, Jl. Prof. H. Soedarto, SH, Tembalang, Semarang, 50275, Central Java, Indonesia.
| | - Ferdy Kurniawan Cayami
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Diponegoro University, Jl. Prof. H. Soedarto, SH, Tembalang, Semarang, 50275, Central Java, Indonesia; Center for Biomedical Research (CEBIOR), Faculty of Medicine, Diponegoro University, Jl. Prof. H. Soedarto, SH, Tembalang, Semarang, 50275, Central Java, Indonesia.
| | - Annastasia Ediati
- Faculty of Psychology, Diponegoro University, Jl. Prof. H. Soedarto, SH, Tembalang, Semarang, 50275, Central Java, Indonesia.
| | - Agustini Utari
- Center for Biomedical Research (CEBIOR), Faculty of Medicine, Diponegoro University, Jl. Prof. H. Soedarto, SH, Tembalang, Semarang, 50275, Central Java, Indonesia; Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Diponegoro University, Jl Dr. Sutomo no 16, Semarang, 50244, Central Java, Indonesia.
| | - Tri Indah Winarni
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Diponegoro University, Jl. Prof. H. Soedarto, SH, Tembalang, Semarang, 50275, Central Java, Indonesia; Center for Biomedical Research (CEBIOR), Faculty of Medicine, Diponegoro University, Jl. Prof. H. Soedarto, SH, Tembalang, Semarang, 50275, Central Java, Indonesia.
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Milic M, Dotlic J, Gazibara T, Parlic M, Nicholson D, Mitic K, Lazic D, Stevanovic J. Positive attitudes towards persons living with HIV in North Kosovo: The university students' perspective. HEALTH & SOCIAL CARE IN THE COMMUNITY 2021; 29:1100-1114. [PMID: 32881208 DOI: 10.1111/hsc.13144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2019] [Revised: 07/24/2020] [Accepted: 07/30/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
HIV-related stigma could delay the identification and treatment of persons living with HIV (PLHIV), particularly in regions affected by ethnic conflicts. The aims of this study were to assess attitudes towards PLHIV and examine factors associated with stronger positive attitudes towards PLHIV among university students in the Serbian province of Kosovo. A cross-sectional study was conducted at the University of Pristina temporarily settled in Kosovska Mitrovica during the academic year 2013-2014. A total of 1,017 first- and fourth-year students completed an anonymous questionnaire about socio-demographic characteristics, PLHIV, high-risk groups for acquiring HIV and health behaviour. The main outcome measure was the Attitude Score (ATS), calculated as a sum of points awarded for all attitude-related items. The majority of students (84%) expressed positive attitudes towards PLHIV, while others were indecisive. Most students held negative opinions about persons who use drugs (64%), homosexual persons of both genders (50%) and sex workers (42%). Being female (odds ratio [OR] = 1.49, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.05-2.09) and older (OR = 1.13, 95% CI 1.03-1.24), not doing paid work while studying (OR = 3.35, 95% CI = 1.63-6.84), studying health-related disciplines (β = -0.113, 95% CI = -0.085 to -2.747), having stronger positive attitudes towards homosexual persons of both genders (OR = 0.77, 95% CI = 0.64-0.94) and not using illicit drugs (β = 2.08, 95% CI = 1.03-4.20) were associated with stronger positive attitudes towards PLHIV. Social inclusion of PLHIV and individuals at high risk for acquiring HIV could help reduce the HIV-related stigma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marija Milic
- Department of Epidemiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Pristina temporarily settled in Kosovska Mitrovica, Kosovo, Serbia
| | - Jelena Dotlic
- Clinic for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Clinical Center of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Tatjana Gazibara
- Institute of Epidemiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Milan Parlic
- Department of Epidemiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Pristina temporarily settled in Kosovska Mitrovica, Kosovo, Serbia
| | - Desmond Nicholson
- Department of Regional Health Services Region Five, Ministry of Public Health, Georgetown, Guyana
| | - Katarina Mitic
- Emergency Relief Project "Solidarity", SOS Children's Villages, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Dragoslav Lazic
- Faculty of Dentistry, University of Pristina temporarily settled in Kosovska Mitrovica, Kosovo, Serbia
| | - Jasmina Stevanovic
- Department of Epidemiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Pristina temporarily settled in Kosovska Mitrovica, Kosovo, Serbia
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Spanish Nursing Students' Attitudes toward People Living with HIV/AIDS: A Cross-Sectional Survey. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17228672. [PMID: 33266437 PMCID: PMC7700348 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17228672] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2020] [Revised: 11/06/2020] [Accepted: 11/19/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection is still a public health issue. Human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immune deficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) creates, in society, stigmatizing attitudes, fear, and discrimination against infected people; even health professionals do not feel trained enough to adequately take care of these patients, which affects the quality of care provided to such patients. The purpose of this study was to explore nursing students’ attitudes and other related factors toward people with HIV/AIDS, as well as their evolution in subsequent academic years. A cross-sectional study was performed with students in four academic years from four Spanish health sciences institutions (n = 384). Data were collected voluntarily and on an anonymous basis, utilizing the “Nursing students’ attitudes toward AIDS” (EASE) validated scale. The students’ attitudes toward people with HIV/AIDS were relatively positive, with a total mean EASE value of 85.25 ± 9.80. Statistically significant differences were observed according to the academic year (p = 0.041), in 4 out of 21 items of the scale and among students with no religious beliefs. By adjusting every variable, only the weak association with religion was maintained (p = 0.045).
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Relevance of students' demographic characteristics, sources of information and personal attitudes towards HIV testing for HIV knowledge: evidence from a post-conflict setting. J Biosoc Sci 2020; 53:1-19. [PMID: 31987058 DOI: 10.1017/s0021932019000877] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Although studies on HIV knowledge have previously been conducted in central Serbia and southern Kosovo, none has included the Serbian population residing in the northern part of the Kosovo province. The aim of this study was to assess HIV-related knowledge and to estimate factors contributing to a higher HIV-related knowledge level among Serbian university students in the Kosovo province. A cross-sectional study including 1017 first- and fourth-year students enrolled at the University of Pristina temporarily seated in Kosovska Mitrovica was carried out during the academic year 2013-2014. The students completed a 31-item questionnaire comprising demographic data, HIV transmission knowledge and attitude towards HIV testing. Data were statistically analysed. Students demonstrated good knowledge of HIV (average 32.8 ± 3.3 out of a maximum 42). Only 5% of the students reported having been tested for HIV. Factors associated with being more knowledgeable about HIV were studying health-related disciplines (β = -0.09; 95% confidence interval [CI] -0.13, 0.00), using the internet as a source of information about HIV (β = -1.09; 95% CI -1.65, -0.52), having a positive attitude towards HIV testing (β = -0.43; 95% CI -0.59, -0.26), having a low self-perceived risk for HIV infection (β = 0.41; 95% CI 0.23, 0.56) and the position that one would keep the same level of contact with an HIV-positive person after learning their HIV status (β = 0.38; 95% CI 0.21, 0.55). Setting up specialized classes on this topic at high schools and universities could help to increase the awareness of HIV infection and promote HIV testing and a positive attitude towards HIV-positive persons.
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Leyva-Moral JM, Terradas-Robledo R, Feijoo-Cid M, de Dios-Sánchez R, Mestres-Camps L, Lluva-Castaño A, Comas-Serrano M. Attitudes to HIV and AIDS among students and faculty in a School of Nursing in Barcelona (Spain): a cross-sectional survey. Collegian 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.colegn.2016.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Leyva-Moral JM, Palmieri PA, Feijoo-Cid M, Cesario SK, Membrillo-Pillpe NJ, Piscoya-Angeles PN, Goff M, Toledo-Chavarri A, Edwards JE. Reproductive decision-making in women living with human immunodeficiency virus: A systematic review. Int J Nurs Stud 2017; 77:207-221. [PMID: 29112908 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijnurstu.2017.10.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2017] [Revised: 10/16/2017] [Accepted: 10/20/2017] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Analyze and synthesize the research evidence to understand the reproductive decisions made by women living with HIV from the beginning of the epidemic to the present. Evaluate the barriers and the facilitators for reproductive decision-making. Identify areas of strength, improvement, and those requiring further research. DESIGN AND DATA SOURCES Systematic review following the PRISMA guideline. PubMed, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Cochrane Library, SocINDEX, Embase, and Scopus databases were searched from 1985 to 2016 using the following Keywords: HIV, AIDS, pregnancy, reproduction, and decision-making. STUDY SELECTION A total of 42 research papers were included in this review. Initially, 1563 papers were identified for the review by database (n=1544) and hand (n=19) searches. With three review levels, 1521 papers were excluded (title review, n=1272; abstract review, n=136; and full paper review, n=113). Studies published in English in peer-reviewed journals using both quantitative and qualitative methods and addressing reproductive decisions in women living with HIV were included. Thirdly, inclusion eligibility was assessed by title, abstract, and full text. REVIEW METHODS Random allocation conducted by the primary researcher assigned an equal number of papers to each researcher for review, including detailed instructions with an abstraction form. Discrepancies were resolved by two researchers. Research quality was assessed using the NCHBL Quality Assessment Tool for Observational Cohort and Cross-Sectional Studies, the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme for the qualitative studies and its version for systematic reviews RESULTS: The review included 42 papers, both quantitative (n=24) and qualitative methods (n=14). Most studies were completed by physicians (n=16) or nurses (n=15). More than two-thirds of the studies were performed in urban settings with predominantly African-American women (n=27). Eight factors were identified as influencing the reproductive decision-making process in women living with HIV: 'Socio-demographic, Health status and Pregnancy', 'Religion and spirituality', 'Beliefs and Attitudes about Antiretroviral Therapy', 'Healthcare providers', 'Significant others', 'Motherhood and fulfillment', 'Fear of perinatal infection and infection of partner(s)', 'Birth control and pregnancy management'. CONCLUSIONS Health care providers are not providing patient-centered care by applying scientific evidence to their practice when advising women with HIV in making reproductive decisions. Despite the strong evidence indicating pregnancy for women with HIV results in a safe birthing trajectory, one not likely to jeopardize the health of the either the mother or fetus, providers continue to recommend the women with HIV avoid pregnancy and neglect to invite partners to participate in the discussion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan M Leyva-Moral
- Universidad Autónoma de Barcelona, Department of Nursing. Faculty of Medicine. Avda. Can Domenech, Building M. Office M3/211, 08193 Bellaterra (Cerdanyola del Vallès), Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Patrick A Palmieri
- Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Privada Norbert Wiener. Jr. Larrabure y Unanue 110 Urb. Santa Beatriz, Lima, Perú; College of Graduate Health Studies, A.T. Still University (Mesa, Arizona, USA).
| | - María Feijoo-Cid
- Universidad Autónoma de Barcelona, Department of Nursing. Faculty of Medicine. Avda. Can Domenech, Building M. Office M3/211, 08193 Bellaterra (Cerdanyola del Vallès), Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Sandra K Cesario
- College of Nursing, Texas Woman's University, 6700 Fannin St., Houston, TX 77030, United States.
| | | | | | - Marilyn Goff
- Texas Woman's University (Houston Campus). 6700 Fannin St., Houston, TX 77030, United States.
| | - Ana Toledo-Chavarri
- Canary Islands Foundation of Health Research and the Center for Biomedical Research of the Canary Islands. Facultad de Medicina - Universidad de La Laguna San Cristobal de La Laguna, Santa Cruz de Tenerife 38071, España.
| | - Joan E Edwards
- College of Nursing, Texas Woman's University, 6700 Fannin St., Houston, TX 77030, United States.
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Atav AS, Sendir M, Darling R, Acaroglu R. Turkish and American Undergraduate Students' Attitudes Toward HIV/AIDS Patients: A Comparative Study. Nurs Forum 2015; 50:116-124. [PMID: 24387272 DOI: 10.1111/nuf.12059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) is a complex healthcare problem. Research has demonstrated that negative attitudes affect healthcare provision. AIMS The purpose of this study was to compare nursing students' attitudes using the AIDS Attitude Scale (AAS). SETTINGS A descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted in nursing schools in Istanbul, Turkey, and in Upstate New York (NY). PARTICIPANTS Baccalaureate nursing students (n = 613) from both countries completed the questionnaire. METHODS Demographic data, overall AAS attitudes, and attitudes within each subscale were compared. Analyses included frequency and percentages of the grouped variables, arithmetic means and standard deviations, t-test for independent samples, and multiple analysis of variance. RESULTS Upstate NY students' mean total AAS scores were significantly more positive toward HIV+ patients than Turkish students'. Scores for Professional Resistance and Emotions subscales were significantly more positive for the Upstate NY students, but Fear of Contagion was not. Upstate NY students had more negative attitudes in the contexts of job risk and eating in a restaurant where the chef has AIDS; more professional resistance to referring patients and training specialists for HIV/AIDS patients; and lower tender feelings for people with HIV/AIDS (p < .01 for each). CONCLUSIONS Improvement in students' attitudes is beneficial for promoting nonjudgmental, compassionate care for the HIV+ population.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Serdar Atav
- Decker School of Nursing, Binghamton University, Binghamton, NY
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Degroote S, Vogelaers D, Liefhooghe G, Vermeir P, Vandijck DM. Sexual experience and HIV-related knowledge among Belgian university students: a questionnaire study. BMC Res Notes 2014; 7:299. [PMID: 24886447 PMCID: PMC4026820 DOI: 10.1186/1756-0500-7-299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2014] [Accepted: 05/06/2014] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Adolescents are a risk group for acquiring sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV. Correct knowledge about transmission mechanisms is a prerequisite to taking appropriate precautions to avoid infection. This study aimed at assessing the level of HIV-related knowledge among university students as a first step in developing targeted interventions. We used a self-developed HIV knowledge questionnaire, supplemented with socio-demographic and sexual behaviour questions. The questionnaire was composed of 59 items from different existing questionnaires. It included general statements and statements about prevention, transmission and treatment of HIV. Results There were 357 (79.7%) female and 93 (20.3%) male participants and their median age was 20 (IQR 19–21). On average 42/59 (71.2%) questions were answered correctly, 5/59 (8.5%) were answered incorrectly and 12/59 (20.3%) were unknown . The best and worse scores were seen on the prevention questions and the treatment questions, respectively. HIV-related knowledge is higher in older students and in students with a health-related education. Students with sexual experience, with five or more partners and students who have been tested on STDs have a higher HIV-related knowledge. Conclusions Knowledge on prevention and transmission of HIV is fairly good among university students and knowledge is higher among students with more sexual experience. They still have some misconceptions (e.g. HIV is spread by mosquitoes) and they are ignorant of a substantial number of statements (e.g. risk for infection through oral sex).
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie Degroote
- Department of General Internal Medicine, Infectious Diseases and Psychosomatics, Ghent University Hospital, De Pintelaan 185, 9000 Ghent, Belgium.
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Platten M, Pham HN, Nguyen HV, Nguyen NT, Le GM. Knowledge of HIV and factors associated with attitudes towards HIV among final-year medical students at Hanoi medical university in Vietnam. BMC Public Health 2014; 14:265. [PMID: 24649918 PMCID: PMC3994540 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2458-14-265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2013] [Accepted: 03/12/2014] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The success of HIV care strongly depends upon skills of the healthcare worker. Vietnam has a punitive history towards HIV and even though this has changed recently, persons living with HIV are still facing discrimination. The objective of this paper is to assess the gaps in knowledge of HIV and factors associated with discriminatory attitudes towards persons living with HIV among medical students in order to improve medical training. Methods In a cross-sectional quantitative study using a structured questionnaire, 200 final-year medical students at Hanoi Medical University were approached for data collection in May of 2012. Descriptive statistics (percentages) were used to present four HIV knowledge tests. Linear regression models were examined to highlight factors that are associated with general attitudes towards HIV and attitudes towards HIV in a clinical setting. Results Although students performed overall well in the knowledge category of HIV discrimination and stigma, there were several gaps in knowledge of HIV, including the categories of HIV-related basic sciences, prevention, and care and treatment. Knowledge of stigma and discrimination was a significant positive predictor of General non-prejudicial attitude to HIV and AIDS (β = 0.186, P < 0.01) and Non-discriminatory attitude to HIV and AIDS at work (β = 0.188, P < 0.01). Training on methadone treatment was found to be a significant positive predictor (β = 0.168, P < 0.05) while family size was negatively associated (β = -0.170, P < 0.05) with General non-prejudicial attitude to HIV and AIDS. Conclusions The study suggests a need for incorporating HIV training into the core curricula for medical students. As persons who inject drugs carry a proportionately high burden of HIV in Vietnam, it is also important to include methadone training for students.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Huy V Nguyen
- Department of Health Management and Organization, Institute for Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Hanoi Medical University, Hanoi, Vietnam.
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Awareness of sexually transmitted infection and protection methods among university students in Ireland. Ir J Med Sci 2014; 184:135-42. [PMID: 24510451 DOI: 10.1007/s11845-014-1073-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2013] [Accepted: 01/26/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are a major public health challenge. In 2012, young people (20-29 years) represented 59.1 % of STI notifications in Ireland. In studying awareness and knowledge of STIs, methods of protection, and sexual practices of young people, many researchers have accessed university students. AIMS Survey of 419 university students, investigating awareness and knowledge of sexual health and STIs, and risky sexual behaviour as a surrogate indicator of sexual activity in that age group. METHODS Self-administered questionnaire on students' demographics, sexual activity, knowledge, attitude and awareness of sexual health and STIs. RESULTS 419 students responded: 56.1 % female and 78.1 % undergraduate students. 74.2 % remembered receiving sexual education in secondary school and 84 % of those found it useful, but only 51.8 % remembered education regarding STIs. 44.4 % believed that STIs do not pose a long-term health risk. 90.7 % of respondents were sexually active, and 10.3 % had contracted STIs. 94.7 % of sexually active students used contraception, with condoms most frequently used. 69.1 % of those active had experienced penetrative vaginal sex, 86.4 % oral sex and 19.2 % anal sex without a condom in the prior 2 years. Condom usage initiated by women was primarily for STI prevention. CONCLUSION Young people do not always have the information needed for them to take responsibility for their sexual health. In this study, university-provided medical and information resources were available, but large numbers of students were unaware or uncomfortable accessing them. Future work is needed to determine factors contributing to effective communication of sexual health information to young people.
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Wang G, Wada K, Hoshi K, Sasaki N, Ezoe S, Satoh T. Association of knowledge of HIV and other factors with individuals' attitudes toward HIV infection: a national cross-sectional survey among the Japanese non-medical working population. PLoS One 2013; 8:e68495. [PMID: 23874644 PMCID: PMC3713032 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0068495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2012] [Accepted: 05/29/2013] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The stigma of and discrimination because of HIV has been described as the most important obstacle to prevention and treatment efforts. The purpose of this study was to investigate negative attitudes and prejudice toward HIV among the Japanese non-medical working population and to explore contributing factors. Methods An online anonymous nationwide survey involving approximately 3,000 individuals was conducted in Japan. Questions ranged from background information and HIV knowledge to individuals’ attitudes towards HIV infection in the workplace. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression were applied for analysis. Results Thirty-three percent of participants feared transmission of HIV from infected colleagues, 34% tended to avoid contact with them and 40% had prejudiced opinions about HIV infection. Despite a relatively high level of knowledge of HIV/AIDS overall (11.9±3.3 from 15 points), only 50% of individuals were aware of some issues. Greater knowledge was associated with less negative attitudes towards HIV infection (OR 0.39, 95% CI 0.31–0.48 for prejudiced opinion, high compared with low level of knowledge), whereas greater health consciousness was inversely related to attitude (OR 1.97, 95% CI 1.50–2.58 for prejudiced opinion, high compared with low health consciousness). Conclusion Knowledge neutralizes peoples’ negative attitudes towards HIV infection, whereas greater health consciousness may worsen them. Educational programs should balance knowledge with health consciousness to improve the efficacy of HIV interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guoqin Wang
- Kitasato Clinical Research Center, Kitasato University School of Medicine, Sagamihara, Kanagawa, Japan.
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Knowledge of sexually transmitted diseases and sexual behaviours among Malaysian male youths. J Biosoc Sci 2013; 46:214-24. [PMID: 23480474 DOI: 10.1017/s0021932013000114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
This study examines the knowledge of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) among male youths in Malaysia. A self-administered survey was carried out on a sample of 952 never-married males aged 15-24 years. The respondents were asked about their knowledge of STDs, how these diseases get transmitted and their sexual behaviours. The data showed that 92% of the respondents knew of at least one STD (syphilis, gonorrhoea, chlamydia, herpes, genital warts, yeast infection, trichomoniasis or HIV/AIDS). About 95% of them knew of at least one method of STD transmission. Urban and tertiary-educated male youths showed a substantially higher proportion of awareness of STDs and transmission methods compared with their rural and less-educated counterparts. The data also indicated that 10% of the study sample admitted to having had sexual experiences. There were still a large proportion of the respondents who were not aware of STDs other than syphilis and HIV/AIDS and the means of transmission, such as multiple sex partners, including those who claimed to be sexually active. Thus there is a need for more concerted efforts to disseminate information on STDs and transmission methods to a wider audience in Malaysia, especially youths in rural areas.
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Knowledge, attitudes and risk behaviour related to HIV and AIDS: the case of international students in a Finnish university. J Community Health 2011; 36:910-8. [PMID: 21573734 DOI: 10.1007/s10900-010-9353-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
The purpose of this pilot study was to illustrate international university students' knowledge of HIV and AIDS, attitudes towards HIV and AIDS and risk behaviours in relation to HIV and AIDS. Questionnaires were posted to 140 students, and 32 responded. Data were analysed statistically. The results indicated a fairly good knowledge level of HIV and AIDS. The majority of students were well aware of the general facts about HIV and AIDS, modes of transmission and main risk groups, and they were also aware of the universal precautions. The majority of students had positive attitudes towards persons with HIV and AIDS and were willing to care for them. The students identified well with risk behaviours. Most agreed that their knowledge level of HIV and AIDS did affect their risk behaviours, while others felt it was a matter of choice, personal attitude and practice. Choice is a determining factor for decisions made by students in relation to HIV and AIDS. Future research focusing on factors influencing these choices that put them at risk of contracting the HIV virus is recommended. Students also need to be enlightened on matters concerning symptoms of HIV and AIDS.
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