Abstract

Hadgu Gerensea*, Haimanot Zeleke, Dereje Gedle, Mesafint Tilahun, Muluwork Wasie Sefineh Asmamaw Tadese Tsehay, Tesfay Wiaregay Tolossa Negusie

ABSTRACT

Background: Human immune virus (Acquired Immune deficiency syndrome) possesses an enormous challenge on the survival of mankind in the world. In 2011 over 34 million people were living with the virus. Ethiopia as a country in sub Saharan region is a country with high HIV prevalence. All most a quarter of people living with HIV are under the age of 25. PITC is internationally recognized as an effective and important strategy for both prevention and Care of HIV. Objective: To assess willingness and knowledge of PITC among high school and preparatory students in Debere Markos town. Methods: cross sectional study design was carried out to assess willingness and knowledge of PITC among high school and preparatory students in Debere Markos town. A multistage sampling technique was used to recruit study participants by taking school as a cluster and a single population proportion formula was used to determine the sample size. Semi-structured, Self administered questionnaire was used to collect the necessary data. Results: All the participants have heard of HIV or the disease called AIDS. Out of total respondents 231(67.94%) knew that there is no cure for HIV/AIDS. Most of the respondents 330 (97.05%) mentioned sexual intercourse as a means of HIV/transmission. Only 208 (61.18%) of participants have ever been tested for HIV. Only 113(33.24%) of the participants, perceived themselves as having risk for HIV and the rest 227(66.76) are not perceived themselves as having risk for HIV/AIDS. Conclusion: there is a need to work on awareness creation on stigma and discrimination since they were among the alarming factor for the uptake of PITC. More over building the knowledge of people in rural about PITC should be an area of focus to work on. Explanation of facilities that provides PITC and training of counselors’ are also important activities that must be done to improve utilization of the service.