Conhecimento, atitudes e práticas de risco para HIV/AIDS entre graduandos da Universidade Federal de Sergipe.

Abstract

The epidemic of infection by the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) continues to be a serious public health problem worldwide. The United Nations (UN) has been systematically discussing strategies to face the epidemic, which include prevention, diagnosis, and treatment, in addition to issues related to human rights such as stigma, prejudice and discrimination. Population surveys involving questions about knowledge and practices regarding HIV/AIDS are important public health instruments for primary and secondary prevention and control of these diseases. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the indicators related to knowledge, attitudes, and risk practices regarding HIV/AIDS among undergraduates at the Federal University of Sergipe-UFS. The research was carried out among students from the UFS Campi, through Google Docs. For this purpose, the Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices Survey (PCAP) questionnaire, already validated in Brazil and used by the Ministry of Health, was used. The questionnaire was made available by the UFS SIGAA for all students. Questions were addressed for the social, demographic, and educational characterization of the subjects and to identify the level of knowledge, attitudes and practices related to HIV/AIDS. The collected data were tabulated in Microsoft Excel. Comparison between groups and analyzed variables was performed using the $\chi^2$ test. A total of 713 undergraduates participated in the survey, 435 (61.4%) female and 238 (37.9%) male. In addition, 689 (97%) responded that they agree that condoms are the best way to prevent the virus, 14 (2%) disagree and 7 (1%) do not know. When asked whether a person can be infected with HIV by sharing cutlery or glasses, 585 (82.3%) disagree, 60 (8.4%) agree and 66 (9.3) do not know. More importantly, 387 (54.4%) had never been tested for HIV and 567 (80%) had not been tested in the last 12 months. This study provided an understanding of the level of knowledge of UFS undergraduates about HIV/AIDS. In addition, it allowed us to understand the risk attitudes and practices in this group. The results of the PCAP have been of great value to subsidize the formulation of public policies for the planning and development of effective and practical actions to face HIV/AIDS in Sergipe.