Knowledge, Attitudes And Perceptions Of The Youth Towards Hiv & Aids .A Case Study Of Maasai Mara University, Narok County.

Abstract

ABSTRACT The primary purpose of this investigation was to assess the knowledge, attitudes and perceptions of the youth of Maasai Mara University towards HIV/AIDS and to examine the correlation of their knowledge and attitudes towards transmission and control of HIV/AIDS. The target population included a total number of 10,635 students who were then sampled down through random stratified simple sampling to 100 students who participated in the study with 25 students per strata i.e. from each academic year. Descriptive research design was used by the researcher to help provide a framework for data collection and analysis data. Data collection was done by use of questionnaires administered to the participants containing 3 sections with both open-ended and closed questions. They tested the respondent on the social demographic factors, knowledge and attitudes/sexuality areas. Methods of data analysis was by use of central measures of tendency i.e. frequency and percentages which were then interpreted to charts, bar graphs and tables. The study showed that the students of Maasai Mara University are knowledgeable on HIV for example 97% of the students could be able to tell ways of contraction and care of HIV. Despite having the knowledge some hold various attitudes such as myths and reactions towards PLHA and are also affected by poor practices/ behaviors which in general pose them at the risk of transmission of the disease. In conclusion, although knowledge about HIV is important, the youth should be able to translate this knowledge to prevent them from contracting the disease. There is need for implementation of programs that will help sensitize application of knowledge to the practices/ behavior of the youth of MMU. This will help reduce spread of the epidemic not only in the university but in the country at large.