Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Regarding HIV/AIDS Among Adolescents in Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) Camps in Mogadishu, Somalia: A Descriptive Cross-Sectional Study

TL;DR

Adolescents in IDP camps in Mogadishu have poor HIV/AIDS knowledge, stigmatizing attitudes, and risky behaviors, highlighting the need for targeted education and support.

Contribution

This study provides the first descriptive analysis of HIV/AIDS-related KAP among adolescents in IDP camps in Mogadishu, Somalia.

Findings

69% of adolescents demonstrated poor knowledge of HIV/AIDS, including misconceptions about transmission.

84% of participants displayed stigmatizing attitudes toward people living with HIV/AIDS.

Only 0.45% of adolescents had been tested for HIV, and condom use among sexually active participants was extremely low at 2.1%.

Abstract

HIV/AIDS remains a major global health challenge worldwide. Adolescents, particularly those in displaced populations, are highly vulnerable to HIV infection. This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) regarding HIV/AIDS among adolescents in internally displaced persons (IDP) camps in Mogadishu, Somalia.

We conducted a descriptive cross-sectional study of adolescents aged 13–19 years living in IDP settlements in Mogadishu's Kahda and Deynile districts. Data were collected using a validated questionnaire. We constructed composite KAP indices using prespecified cutoff points, summarized outcomes descriptively, and compared groups by age and gender using χ2 tests and one-way ANOVA, with ethical approval and assent/consent procedures in place.

This study included 440 adolescents with a mean age of 15 ± 2 years, 68% of whom were female. The majority (69%) demonstrated poor knowledge of HIV/AIDS, with common misconceptions about transmission, such as 75% believing that mosquito bites and 85% believing that sharing meals could transmit HIV infection. Negative attitudes toward people living with HIV/AIDS were prevalent, with 84% displaying stigmatizing views. For instance, 81% believed that HIV-positive students should not attend school, and 89% were unwilling to buy vegetables from an HIV-positive vendor. HIV testing rates were extremely low at 0.45%, and only 2.1% of sexually active participants reported condom use. Participants were primarily from the Deynile and Kahda districts, with significant representation from the Southwest State and Hirshabelle. No significant differences in knowledge and attitude scores were observed between the sex or age groups.

Adolescents in IDP camps in Mogadishu demonstrated poor knowledge, stigmatizing attitudes, and risky HIV/AIDS practices. These findings highlight the urgent need for culturally sensitive educational programs, improved access to testing and counselling services, and community-based stigma reduction interventions for this vulnerable population.

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