HIV/AIDS Related Knowledge of University Students in Southeast Ethiopia: A Cross-Sectional Survey

Purpose: University students are often a sexually active group that is at risk of acquiring and transmitting HIV. This risk depends on their level of knowledge towards the disease. Hence, HIV/AIDS related knowledge represents the acquisition of scientific facts and information regarding the symptoms, way of transmission, adverse consequences, and pre-vention strategies of the disease. Therefore, this study aimed to assess level of HIV/AIDS related knowledge among regular undergraduate students of Madda Walabu University, Southeast Ethiopia. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from February 10-25, 2020. A simple random sampling technique was employed to select the study participants. Data were entered to Epi Data version 4.6.0.2 and analyzed using SPSS version 26 software. A bivariate and multivariable binary logistic regression model was used to identify factors associated with level of HIV/AIDS knowledge. Odds ratio with 95% confidence interval and p-value<0.05 was used to declare statistical significance. Results: A total of 442 study participants were included in the study. The level of HIV/ AIDS knowledge among study participants was found to be 51.4%. Health science students [AOR=16.28 (8.21-32.28)], being in year III and above [AOR=5.34 (2.92-9.76)] and having monthly stipend >300 birr from parents and relatives [AOR=2.70 (1.34-5.48)] had a higher odds of a good level of HIV/AIDS knowledge. Conclusion: Nearly half of the students had a poor level of HIV/AIDS knowledge. Field of study, year of the study, and monthly income were significantly associated with level of HIV/ AIDS related knowledge. University-based HIV/AIDS education considering year of study has to be given, and risk reduction on focusing on behavioral change intervention are recommended.