Evaluation of University Students' Attitudes Towards Individuals Living with HIV/AIDS

Abstract

Aim: The purpose of this study was to ascertain how college students felt about people who were HIV/AIDS positive. Method: The study is cross-sectional and descriptive in nature. The data of the study were collected from 367 university students through an online questionnaire. The Attitudes Towards Individuals Living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus/Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (HIV/AIDS) Scale for University Students and the participants' personal data identification form were utilized as data collection instruments. The statistical program IBM SPSS 26.0 was utilized to analyze the data. Results: It was discovered that the participants' mean age was 21.60±2.50, with 77.1% of them being female and 39.2% belonging to the senior category. The middle level scale had a mean overall score of 58.28±11.72. Gender and the overall Attitudes Toward Individuals Living with HIV/AIDS Scale score showed a significant correlation (p<0.05). It was discovered that women exhibited more empathy and had more favorable views toward those who were HIV/AIDS positive. Grade level and the sub-dimensions of acceptance, relationship, and empathy on the Attitudes Towards Individuals Living with HIV/AIDS Scale were found to be significantly correlated (p<0.05) when the association between the two variables was evaluated. Conclusion: In conclusion, sexually transmitted illnesses should be taught to university students who fall into the high-risk category for HIV/AIDS. Higher knowledge level university students will also have positive attitudes toward those living with HIV/AIDS. Nurses have a great role in informing and educating these individuals. Nurses should make interventions especially for adolescents with the role of educator and counselor. In addition, courses on infectious diseases and sexually transmitted diseases should be included in the curriculum of university students.