Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices Regarding HIV and AIDS Among Vulnerable Adolescents in Selected Compassion International Assisted Projects in Bugiri District of Eastern Uganda

Abstract

This study was designed to ascertain the knowledge, attitudes and practices about HIV and AIDS among vulnerable adolescents in Compassion International assisted projects (CIPs) in Bugiri District. CIP adolescents are constantly exposed to HIV and AIDS prevention messages, an extra input to the national effort to saturate the population of Uganda with knowledge about HIV and AIDS. Despite these efforts, adolescents are still susceptible to early sexual activity and teenage pregnancies, which predisposes them to HIV and AIDS. This study employed a cross-sectional study conducted among 150 adolescents in CIPs in Bugiri District in Eastern Uganda. Quantitative and qualitative data was collected. Quantitative data was gathered using interviewer administered questionnaires, while qualitative data was collected using focus group discussions. The findings showed that 94.7% of the respondents had heard about HIV and AIDS. Skin rash (68.1%), diarrhea (62.4%) and weight loss (59.6%) were the commonly known symptoms and signs of HIV and AIDS. Sexual intercourse (85.9%) and contact with infected blood (67.8%) were identified as the main ways of HIV transmission. Abstinence (88%), condom use (57.7%) and being faithful to one partner (56.7%) were cited as methods of preventing HIV transmission. Seventy-seven percent of the respondents had a positive attitude towards testing for HIV. Forty six percent of the sexually active respondents had had two sexual partners in the three months prior to the study. Some respondents showed lack of adequate knowledge on the HIV transmission and spread. Close to thirty five percent (34.7%) of the respondents are engaged in risky sexual practices which predispose them to HIV and AIDS. There is need to develop a strategy of converting the high level of knowledge and positive attitude into safer sexual practices