Knowledge and attitudes of Health Services and Vocational Students of the Trakya University Health Service about HIV/AIDS

Background and Aim: HIV/AIDS literature highlights young people's crucial role in combating the epidemic. Addressing their specific challenges, including access to education, healthcare, and mental health support, is essential for preventing new infections and improving well-being. Our study assessed HIV/AIDS knowledge, attitudes towards people living with HIV/AIDS, and associated factors among students at Trakya University Vocational School of Health Services. Material and Methods: This study population comprised 416 students from the Vocational School of Health Services at Trakya University in Edirne, selected from an initial pool of 1700. Data were collected using questionnaires assessing sociodemographic characteristics (13 questions), HIV/AIDS knowledge (14 questions), and attitudes towards AIDS (17 questions). HIV/AIDS knowledge was further divided into three sub-dimensions: transmission routes (7 questions), prevention and general knowledge (9 questions), and treatment (5 questions). Results: The participant group comprised approximately 80% girls and 20% boy students, with two-thirds of the students being in their first year. Half the students had received HIV/AIDS education, highlighting social media's role as an information source. A majority expressed a desire for further education. The AIDS Knowledge Scale (AKS) revealed mean scores of 2.52±1.77 for transmission routes, 6.98±2.45 for prevention routes, and 2.42±1.65 for treatment. Mean positive attitude scores were 33.24±3.16 for females and 32.32±3.85 for males; stigma scores were 11.34±3.72 and 12.67±4.01, respectively. Higher scores on the protection subscale correlated with decreased stigmatization, while higher scores on the treatment subscale correlated with a more positive attitude. Place of residence, marital status, prior HIV/AIDS education, and perceived knowledge sufficiency were associated with AKS subscale scores. Place of residence and prior HIV/AIDS education were related to ATS scale scores. Conclusion: The study found that prior education was associated with protection from HIV/AIDS, despite 60% of students lacking information on the subject and 40% desiring education. Therefore, age-structured sexual health education and counselling services are recommended, especially for young people at high risk for HIV/AIDS. Keywords: University student, HIV/AIDS, knowledge, attitude, protection.