Abstract
The purpose of this pilot study was to illustrate international university students’ knowledge of HIV and AIDS, attitudes
towards HIV and AIDS and risk behaviours in relation to HIV and AIDS. Questionnaires were posted to 140 students, and 32 responded.
Data were analysed statistically. The results indicated a fairly good knowledge level of HIV and AIDS. The majority of students
were well aware of the general facts about HIV and AIDS, modes of transmission and main risk groups, and they were also aware
of the universal precautions. The majority of students had positive attitudes towards persons with HIV and AIDS and were willing
to care for them. The students identified well with risk behaviours. Most agreed that their knowledge level of HIV and AIDS
did affect their risk behaviours, while others felt it was a matter of choice, personal attitude and practice. Choice is a
determining factor for decisions made by students in relation to HIV and AIDS. Future research focusing on factors influencing
these choices that put them at risk of contracting the HIV virus is recommended. Students also need to be enlightened on matters
concerning symptoms of HIV and AIDS.
towards HIV and AIDS and risk behaviours in relation to HIV and AIDS. Questionnaires were posted to 140 students, and 32 responded.
Data were analysed statistically. The results indicated a fairly good knowledge level of HIV and AIDS. The majority of students
were well aware of the general facts about HIV and AIDS, modes of transmission and main risk groups, and they were also aware
of the universal precautions. The majority of students had positive attitudes towards persons with HIV and AIDS and were willing
to care for them. The students identified well with risk behaviours. Most agreed that their knowledge level of HIV and AIDS
did affect their risk behaviours, while others felt it was a matter of choice, personal attitude and practice. Choice is a
determining factor for decisions made by students in relation to HIV and AIDS. Future research focusing on factors influencing
these choices that put them at risk of contracting the HIV virus is recommended. Students also need to be enlightened on matters
concerning symptoms of HIV and AIDS.
- Content Type Journal Article
- Pages 1-9
- DOI 10.1007/s10900-010-9353-3
- Authors
- Tarja Suominen, School of Health Sciences, Nursing Science, University of Tampere, Lääkärikatu 1, 33014 Tampere, Finland
- Caroline Karanja-Pernu, University of Tampere, Tampere, Finland
- Jari Kylmä, School of Health Sciences, Nursing Science, University of Tampere, Lääkärikatu 1, 33014 Tampere, Finland
- Jarmo Houtsonen, University of Eastern Finland, Joensuu, Finland
- Maritta Välimäki, Department of Nursing Science, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
- Journal Journal of Community Health
- Online ISSN 1573-3610
- Print ISSN 0094-5145