Early adolescents' HIV-related knowledge, attitudes and behaviour in Finland

HIV/AIDS-related knowledge and attitudes towards HIV rapid testing among Chinese college students: Findings from a cross-sectional survey

Data of the awareness level of college students in China about Human Immunodeficiency Virus/Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (HIV/AIDS) knowledge are limited. Also, the attitudes towards HIV rapid testing remain unknown among this population. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the awareness of HIV/AIDS knowledge and attitudes towards HIV rapid testing among Chinese college students. An online cross-sectional survey was performed in 2020. A total of 1,474 participants were finally included. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated to examine associated factors for the cognitive levels and attitudes by multivariable logistic regression. Spearman rank correlation was used to examine the relationship between HIV/AIDS-related knowledge and attitudes. About 91% of participants had a high cognitive level on HIV/AIDS-related knowledge and 84.7% held a positive attitude towards the HIV rapid testing. Postgraduates (OR = 1.75, 95% CI: 1.16-2.66) and females (OR = 1.69, 95% CI: 1.13-2.52) were more knowledgeable. Females' attitudes towards the HIV rapid testing were more positive (OR = 1.91, 95% CI: 1.40-2.62). Moreover, the knowledge was positively correlated with attitudes towards the rapid testing (Spearman r = 0.14, p < 0.001). In conclusion, the Chinese college students had a high cognitive level on HIV/AIDS knowledge and positive attitudes towards HIV rapid testing. A high cognitive level of knowledge paralleled with positive attitudes. Special strategies such as tailored education via HIV/AIDS curriculum and awareness campaigns are needed for undergraduates and male students to minimize the gaps regarding HIV/AIDS-related knowledge and attitudes.

Knowledge, attitudes and risk behaviour related to HIV and AIDS: the case of international students in a Finnish university

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.

Nurses' knowledge and attitudes to HIV/AIDS--an international comparison between Finland, Estonia and Lithuania

This paper presents baseline data on nurses' knowledge of and attitudes to HIV/AIDS in three countries: Finland, Estonia and Lithuania. The prevalence of HIV/AIDS is steadily increasing in Finland, Estonia and Lithuania. At the same time, labour mobility and also nursing mobility between these countries increases. Previous international studies have shown that lack of knowledge and negative attitudes continue to exist. A total of 681 registered nurses from one Finnish (n = 322), one Estonian (n = 191) and one Lithuanian (n = 168) hospital were surveyed in spring 2006. The questionnaire was originally developed by Held in 1993 and modified for this study. The questionnaire has three scales: demographic and other background variable, nurses' knowledge related to HIV/AIDS, and nurses' attitudes towards people with HIV/AIDS and towards the disease itself. Across the whole sample respondents showed average levels of HIV/AIDS knowledge and attitudes towards people with HIV/AIDS. Years of work experience correlated negatively with the knowledge and attitude levels. A significant correlation was found between the level of knowledge and attitudes. Significant differences were found between countries, Finnish nurses showing the highest knowledge levels and most positive attitudes towards patients with HIV/AIDS. Factors positively influencing levels of knowledge and attitudes were education, previous experience of providing care to HIV/AIDS patient or knowing someone with the infection, and willingness to provide care to HIV/AIDS patients. Supplementary education is needed to strengthen nurses' knowledge. It is important to recognize that there might be differences in knowledge and attitudes between neighbour countries. This needs to be taken into account when planning education for degrees and for further nursing education.

Nurses' and nursing students' perceptions of sexual risk behavior: a study in Finland, Estonia, and Lithuania

The continuing escalation of the global HIV/AIDS epidemic has changed our perceptions of sexual health. This article reports on a study of nurses' and nursing students' perceptions of sexual risk behaviour in Finland, Estonia and Lithuania and of how these perceptions are associated with background variables. Questionnaire data were collected in year 2006 with a modified version of Chng and Moore's Safer Sex Scale (1993), which consists of 12 background questions and 10 items exploring nurses' and nursing students' perceptions of sexual risk behaviour. Responses were obtained from 1152 nurses and nursing students. Their perceptions of sexual risk behaviour appeared to be quite cautious. The results revealed statistically significant country differences, with Finnish and Estonian respondents showing more cautious perceptions of sexual risk behavior than Lithuanian respondents. Some background variables were found to be associated with perceptions of sexual risk behavior. Nurses' perceptions differed from those of nursing students: the latter were less cautious in their perceptions. The most important background factor was previous experience of nursing an HIV/AIDS patient: nurses and students who had such experience reported more cautious perceptions than those who did not. In addition, age was found to correlate with perceptions of sexual risk behavior. Nurses and nursing students need to be more aware of their own perceptions of sexual risk behavior and the impact of those perceptions on their clinical practice. Interventions need to be developed in order to promote safer sex practices. Health care personnel should have the opportunity in their training to work with HIV/AIDS patients.