HIV PrEP, Associated Risk Behaviour and Practices Among University Students; A Case of Nkrumah University
Abstract
Background: The use of Pre-exposure prophylaxis to prevent HIV infections has become widespread, so are concerns that PrEP leads to risky behaviour that can results into infections. While it is standard protocol for the healthcare personnel to conduct routine HIV screenings, no standardized procedure for educating people exists. PrEP gives an opportunity for adolescents and young adults to access a prevention option that respects their particularities and vulnerabilities. The objective of the study was to assess the Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices of students towards PrEP and if it is associated health risk behavior Methods: A cross sectional quantitative research design was used to determine the knowledge, attitudes and practices of students towards PrEP and its’ associated risk behaviour using a self-administered questionnaire. The data was analyzed using a computer Soft-Ware-Statistical Package for Social Sciences. The sample size was 367 students of Nkrumah University student in Central Province Results: There is an existing gap in comprehensively knowing and understanding PrEP and guidelines. About 36.8% of the respondents indicates they had poor knowledge on PrEP further, the results indicate 61% of the respondents had general negative attitude towards PrEP. Conclusion: More effort by government and stakeholders is needed to educate and inform students on PrEP. There is need to establish ways of dispelling myths and improve the perception towards PrEP thus reducing stigmatization
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