Journal of Community Health
Volume 36, Issue 6, 2011, Pages 910-918

Knowledge, attitudes and risk behaviour related to HIV and AIDS: The case of international students in a Finnish university (Article)

Suominen T.* , Karanja-Pernu C. , Kylmä J. , Houtsonen J. , Välimäki M.
  • a School of Health Sciences, Nursing Science, University of Tampere, Lääkärikatu 1, 33014 Tampere, Finland
  • b School of Health Sciences, Nursing Science, University of Tampere, Lääkärikatu 1, 33014 Tampere, Finland
  • c School of Health Sciences, Nursing Science, University of Tampere, Lääkärikatu 1, 33014 Tampere, Finland
  • d University of Eastern Finland, Joensuu, Finland
  • e Department of Nursing Science, University of Turku, Turku, Finland

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. © 2011 Springer Science+Business Media, LLC.

Author Keywords

Attitudes AIDS Knowledge risk behaviour HIV

Index Keywords

HIV Infections sexual behavior Human immunodeficiency virus infection psychological aspect human middle aged statistics Marital Status Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome international cooperation substance abuse Needle Sharing marriage student Young Adult Humans male female pilot study Universities university questionnaire Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice Article high risk behavior disease transmission Risk-Taking Substance Abuse, Intravenous Questionnaires adult drug abuse International Educational Exchange Students acquired immune deficiency syndrome attitude to health Pilot Projects
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-80755190093&doi=10.1007%2fs10900-010-9353-3&partnerID=40&md5=63fe1a5b8f6c2df6feb986f6bf198b12
DOI: 10.1007/s10900-010-9353-3
ISSN: 00945145
Cited by: 1
Original Language: English