Abstract

Abraha Tadese and Berhanu Menasbo

HIV/AIDS is one of the most serious health problems in the world which infects economically productive young adults. The objective of this study is to assess the level of knowledge, attitude and practice regarding HIV/AIDS amongst secondary school students in Makelle city, Northern Ethiopia. A cross– sectional survey was conducted among students enrolled in secondary schools of Mekelle city. 240 students were taken from different secondary schools in the city. Data was collected using a validated selfadministered standardized questionnaire on knowledge, attitude and practice regarding HIV/AIDS. Data were analyzed using STATA software. Our study found that 85.5% respondents have good knowledge about HIV/AIDS, but a negative attitude towards it. 75% of the respondents point out that they had used condom during sexual intercourse, 66.6% of them use regularly condom and have habit of using it and none of the respondents had sex with commercial sex workers. HIV/AIDS health education efforts should be intensified to improve the attitude and practice among secondary school students in Mekelle city.