Knowledge, attitudes and practices concerning Hiv/Aids prevention among youth in Eastleigh location in Nairobi county

Abstract

Good knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) of HIV prevention a re essential in order not to acquire HIV infection a n d to prevent the disease from spreading. A proper and well-functioning prevention of HIV requires c l e a r and relevant information and instructions from health c a r e givers. The purpose of this study w a s to investigate the knowledge, attitudes and practices concerning HIV prevention among youth in Eastleigh location in Nairobi County and compare these between genders. A descriptive and comparative cross sectional survey design w a s used. A sample of fifty youth was drawn by use of simple random sampling, as it was considered appropriate for the reason of increasing the accuracy of the findings and also for it to ensure high percentage involvement by the subject. 50 Youth participated by answering a questionnaire on knowledge, attitudes and practices concerning HIV/AIDS prevention among the youth in Eastleigh.a group of 2 focus group discussion consisting of 10 members of whom were youths in E a s t l e i gh and 5 key informants were included in the study. The H e a l t h belief model ( H B M ) a n d Aids Risk Reduction Model (ARRM) was provided a s theoretical framework. The data w a s collected in secondary schools and those in post-secondary learning institutions in Eastleigh location, Nairobi County. Most of the youths had heard of H I V / A I D S , and overall male had better knowledge than female. L e s s than Fifty percent of the f e m a l e reported they had e v e r received information on HIV/AIDS. There w e r e significant differences between genders in several statements concerning knowledge, attitudes and practices. The male and female youths in Eastleigh had different knowledge, attitudes and practice of HIV prevention. Peer Educators, Teachers/Lecturers and Health care professionals should consider gender and culture when providing intervention programs to The Youth.