Marseille 2007
| Abstract #248 - The Prevention of HIV/AIDS in Libya: A study of the Knowledge, Attitudes, Beliefs and Practices of Libyan High School Students | ||||
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Session: 26.49: Posters B (Poster) on Tuesday in Chaired by Authors: Presenting Author: Dr Saleh El-Gadi - Homerton University Hospital, United Kingdom |
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| Additional Authors: Dr Saleh El-Gadi, Dr Mohamed Sammud, Dr Abdulhafid Abudher, | ||||
| Aim: This study details findings of Libyan high schools students knowledge, attitudes, beliefs and practices about HIV/AIDS. The results of this study can serve as a baseline against which to evaluate the impact of successive interventions. | ||||
| Method / Issue: A self-administrated questionnaire survey was undertaken during 2004-2005. 1082 students were recruited from five cities in the North West of Libya. Data analysed by a SPSS using descriptive and inferential statistics. Non-parametric tests were used to determine whether the difference between explanatory variables reaches statistical significance. | ||||
| Results / Comments: The response rates were exceptionally high (80% to 99%). The results of the study showed that students from Zawara performed less well than students from the other cities did. There was high level of stigma among the students towards HIV infected individuals. Students had good level of knowledge about adolescence and the basic anatomy and functions of reproductive/sexual organs, but low level of knowledge of STIs and HIV/AIDS, their symptoms and transmission. Despite, more boys than girls would use condom if necessary, but the results also suggested that boys are more likely to take risks. Despite high level of stigma, 91% of students support providing free care to HIV infected individuals. | ||||
| Discussion: The HIV intervention programmes for young people should operate within a comprehensive strategy to combat HIV/AIDS. The stigmatising and the discriminatory perceptions of HIV infected individuals should be addressed as part of the education campaign. There is a need to shift the current speech on "punishment" towards positive values included in Islam. The emphasis should be on attitudinal changes, negotiation skills, assertiveness and decision-making skills. Sex and schools location differences should be considered when planning for HIV/AIDS education. Evaluation and monitoring of HIV/AIDS educational programs should be an on-going process. Further research is needed on why students from Zawara performed less well. Further research is also needed on the actual students sexual preferences and practices and on other groups of young people in order to have a better picture and design more effective prevention programmes tailored to the Libyan context of young people. Since 90% of HIV epidemic in Libya is due to IVDU, research is urgently needed to investigate IVDU among young people and its interaction with the HIV epidemic. | ||||
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