Journal of Transmitted Diseases and Immunity

Assessing the awareness of high schools boys in immunodeficiency virus transmission and the risk acquisition

Infectious Diseases and STD-AIDS
April 26-27, 2018 Rome, Italy

Muhammad A. Halwani and Nedal A. Tashkandi

Al Baha University, Saudi Arabia

Posters & Accepted Abstracts: J Transm Dis Immun

DOI: 10.21767/2573-0320-C1-003

Abstract

Introduction: The surveillance of HIV/AIDS in Saudi Arabia still faces allot of challenges especially in the youth. This because of culture resistance of accepting the presence of the disease, underreporting, deny of any risky behaviour and the ignorance of most of the schools, parents to discuss this issue with their young adults. Methodology: A questionnaire that contains 25 questions was distributed among three different boy�s high schools to assess their knowledge about HIV and the risk that they might face. Results: In total 708 students were enrolled of which 66% knew that HIV is a sexual transmitted disease. However, only 26% were aware that it can be acquired through sexual behaviour and 65% of them thought it can only be acquired through blood. A total of 71% of the students, confirmed that they will use the internet to know about the disease if they needed to and only 11% agreed to consult their parents in this regards. A total of 54% blamed the community for not talking about the disease then their schools 22%. Finally 66% agreed sex education will be helpful if it was part of their curriculum. Conclusion: This sample of male students clearly indicates that the overall awareness of the HIV transmission in school boys is still poor. This might increase the risk of acquisition. Parents and schools need to play a major role in increasing the awareness of the disease in schools. Sex education under the umbrella of the religion is needed. mhalwani@bu.edu.sa