HIV/AIDS-Related Knowledge and Behavior Among High School Students in A Less-Developed High-Risk Region: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Background: Some residents of the Persian Gulf Coastline (PGC) areas are circular migrants due to geo-commercial issues. They have a higher risk of HIV infection, lack of awareness, and non-disclosure of their HIV/AIDS status. These people who live with HIV (PLHIV) are considered as the bridge population for HIV transmission to general population, especially adolescents. This study sought to investigate the knowledge and behavior of adolescents about HIV/AIDS prevention and transmission in a less-developed high-risk area located along the PGC.Methods: In this cross-sectional study using multistage cluster random sampling, 1450 students were invited to complete a standardized questionnaire. The prevalence of adequate knowledge, condom use, and stigmatization of HIV/AIDS and their 95% Confidence Intervals (CIs) were estimated. Adjusted Odds Ratios (ORs) were estimated using ordinal logistic regression.Results: Totally, 17.09% (CI: 15.0- 19.3) of the students had adequate knowledge. Social networks and the internet were the most important sources of information (20.9%, CI: 18.6-23.3). Socioeconomic status (OR: 2.0, 95% CI: 1.7-2.3), gender (0.6, CI: 0.5- 0.8), residential area (0.08, CI: 0.05-0.1), and using social networks and the internet as the main sources of information (1.5, CI: 1.1-1.9) were correlated to the level of knowledge. Furthermore, 29.8% (CI: 27.2-32.5) of the students respected the social rights of PLHIV, and 12.6% (CI: 10.7-14.6) reported condom use.Conclusion: HIV/AIDS-related educational programs are recommended in the PGC, especially for males, students from marginalized areas, and people with lower socioeconomic statuses. Social networks and the internet may be the most effective way to improve people's knowledge about HIV/AIDS.