Assessing the Knowledge and Intention on HIV Prevention Among Senior High School Students in Selected Public Schools of San Pablo City

Abstract

The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) continues to pose a major public health concern, especially for adolescents and young adults, and there are a growing number of cases being reported worldwide, including in the Philippines. In addition, gaps exist between HIV knowledge and the intention to participate in HIV-preventive behavior despite ongoing prevention initiatives. The purpose of the study was to compare the relationship between HIV knowledge and intention to perform and support HIV preventive actions among selected senior high school students in the public high schools in San Pablo City, Laguna, Philippines. A quantitative, cross-sectional, descriptive correlational design was utilized with 367 respondents who had been randomly selected using a multi-stage sampling process. Using an adapted structured questionnaire, HIV transmission, prevention, and medical management and health services were measured, along with intention to participate in HIV preventive behaviors. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Spearman's rho. A moderate amount of HIV knowledge was reported and a high level of intention to participate in preventive behaviors was also reported. There is a statistically significant but weak positive correlation between the two variables (ρ = 0.124, p = 0.018). There was a major connection between having knowledge about transmission and prevention but there was not a major relationship found between knowledge of medical management or health services. This suggests that there is not much effect of knowledge by itself on an individual's intention to seek the service and therefore shows that a comprehensive behavior-focused education program about health is necessary.