Level of knowledge about HIV/AIDS as a sexually transmitted disease in students of a private educational institution in Cajamarca, 2024

Abstract

Objective: To determine the level of knowledge about HIV/AIDS as a sexually transmitted infection among fifth-year secondary school students from the Ramón Castilla Private Educational Institution in Cajamarca, Peru, during 2024. Materials and methods: A quantitative, descriptive, and cross-sectional study was conducted. The sample consisted of 38 students selected through census sampling. A structured and previously validated questionnaire was applied, with reliability verified by the Kuder-Richardson coefficient. The instrument assessed four dimensions: definition, signs and symptoms, transmission, and prevention. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, and knowledge levels were classified as low (0–8), medium (9–22), and high (23–30). Results: Overall, 76.32 students demonstrated a medium level of knowledge about HIV/AIDS, while 23.68% exhibited a high level. In the dimension of signs and symptoms, 63.16% showed medium knowledge and 36.84% high. Regarding transmission, 89.47% were classified with medium knowledge and 10.53% high. In prevention, 68.42% reached a high level and 31.58% a medium level. Conclusions: The evaluated students demonstrated mostly medium knowledge about HIV/AIDS, with strengths in the preventive dimension and limitations in understanding transmission routes and clinical features. It is recommended to reinforce comprehensive sexual education within the school context, promoting deeper and more up-to-date understanding of sexually transmitted infections.