Open AccessKnowledge of Students regarding HIV/AIDS at a Rural University in South Africa
Author(s) -
Tinotenda Success Murwira,
L.B. Khoza,
Jabu Tsakani Mabunda,
Sonto M. Maputle,
Mamotena Mpeta,
Wilfred Njabulo Nunu
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
the open aids journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 1874-6136
DOI - 10.2174/1874613602115010042
Subject(s) - medicine , human immunodeficiency virus (hiv) , logistic regression , family medicine , stratified sampling , rural area , transmission (telecommunications) , developing country , demography , environmental health , pathology , sociology , economic growth , electrical engineering , economics , engineering
Knowledge about HIV/AIDS is essential for facilitating safer sexual behaviour hence, it is important in controlling HIV. Therefore, in the absence of a cure for the pandemic, adequate knowledge about the virus remains the backbone of prevention efforts. Objective: To assess the knowledge regarding HIV/AIDS among undergraduate students at a rural university in Limpopo Province, South Africa. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive quantitative survey-based study was conducted at a rural-based university in South Africa. Stratified random sampling was used to select 345 students. A self-administered questionnaire composed of 26 questions was utilised to gather data and the data were analysed using SPSS version 26. Multiple logistic regression and chi-square tests [χ 2 ] were employed to determine the association between HIV/AIDS knowledge and demographic variables. Results: The overall HIV/AIDS knowledge score of students shows that (74)21% had a poor level of knowledge, (126)37% had average knowledge, and (145)42% had adequate knowledge. There was no significant difference between male and female students regarding their knowledge about HIV/AIDS. Factors, such as age, level of study, the field of study, and religion, were not significantly associated with HIV/AIDS knowledge. However, the race was significantly associated with knowledge with coloureds and mixed races, almost six times less knowledgeable than blacks. Conclusion: In conclusion, students had inadequate knowledge about HIV/AIDS. Misconceptions about HIV/AIDS facts, transmission routes, and prevention aspects were also prevalent among students. The present study accentuates the need for providing students with more HIV/AIDS education to fill HIV knowledge gaps and misconceptions.