Awareness of hiv/aids/std and their impact on human development among adolescents in lalitpur, nepal

Abstract

The study focuses on the awareness of HIV/AIDS and STD among 276 adolescents (14-19 years old) of Lalitpur District, Nepal and the implications for human development. The data was collected from secondary and higher secondary students from rural, semi-urban and urban areas using the mixed method descriptive design through structured questionnaires and interviews. Results show that there is universal knowledge of HIV/AIDS (100%) but a low level of knowledge about other less common STDs, as low as 7–20%. The highest education levels and residence in the urban areas were found to be the most significant factors with the higher secondary students and higher education level showing better knowledge. Parental involvement and involvement by NGOs remained low, and mass media and teachers were the main sources of information. Others include beliefs regarding transmission via mosquito bites (5.8%) and fatalism (67%): all HIV infected people will die. Girls were more aware than boys, although they are still more vulnerable because of structural barriers. These gaps in knowledge can impact adolescents' ability to make well-informed decisions and have a lasting impact on productivity and well-being. Comprehensive sex education, increasing rural programs and strengthening community involvement are important areas to improve adolescent health and sustainable human development.