Authors: Sika Dossim, Kossi D. Alowe, Komlan Kamassa, Detema Maba, Andre Dondonyaragou, Diane Gbeassor-Komlanvi, Mounerou Salou, Anoumou Y. Dagnra, Mireille Prince-David.
Background: The Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is a sexually transmitted infection, a major health issue. Two-thirds of the infections worldwide are found in Africa. In Togo, despite the means to fight against the infection, its prevalence remains high in Kara, Togo's second-largest city. The objective is to find out how this infection is perceived by the student population of the University of Kara.
Materials and Methods: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study carried out by distributing a questionnaire via Google forms on the various students’ platforms at the University of Kara from January 18 thru 30, 2022. The questionnaire related to the level of knowledge, attitudes and practices about Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV).
Results: A total of 172 students completed the questionnaire. The median age was 22, and the sex ratio (M/F) was 2.13. Students from the Faculty of Health Sciences (33%) and the Faculty of Arts and Humanities (29%) were the most represented. About 82% of those surveyed were in bachelor’s program. 63% of students found that HIV was circulating less nowadays. Only 4% of students had received sex education from their parents. The age of first sexual intercourse was between 17 and 21 for both sexes. Young men (30%) had had more than 2 partners in the last 6 months, compared with 14% of girls. Non-use of condoms was explained by the trust in one's partner in 37% of cases.
Conclusion: The Knowledge of University of Kara’s students about HIV is good; However, some attitudes should be improved. Information and sex education sessions are needed on the campus.
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