Exploring HIV/AIDS Awareness, Misconceptions, and Stigma among University Students: A Basis for an Institutional Action Plan for Prevention and Intervention

This report presents an in-depth analysis of a study investigating HIV/AIDS awareness, misconceptions, and stigma among 300 university students in Western Visayas. The primary objective is to enhance comprehension of the study's findings and provide a robust foundation for evidence-based institutional action plans aimed at prevention and intervention. The study revealed that while students generally possess a high level of awareness regarding HIV/AIDS (Mean = 3.84), a significant proportion simultaneously holds persistent misconceptions, particularly concerning non-transmission modes. For instance, nearly half (47%) incorrectly believe mosquito bites can transmit HIV. Concurrently, moderate levels of HIV/AIDS-related stigma were observed (Mean = 2.91). A critical finding was the statistically significant moderate negative correlation between awareness and stigma (r = -0.54, p <.001), indicating that an increase in accurate knowledge is associated with a reduction in stigmatizing attitudes. Furthermore, the understanding of HIV/AIDS varied significantly across different academic programs, with students in health-related and education fields demonstrating a more nuanced comprehension. These findings underscore the urgent need for targeted, evidence-based educational interventions. Key recommendations include the integration of precise HIV/AIDS education across all university curricula, the implementation of peer-led campaigns to normalize discussions and challenge fear-based narratives, and the establishment of robust institutional policy support for sustained initiatives. Such strategies are essential to bridge the gap between general awareness and accurate understanding, thereby effectively reducing stigma within the university community.

HIV/AIDS ,Awareness, Misconceptions, Stigma , University Students

1. Department of Health. (2022). Philippine HIV/AIDS & ART registry of the Philippines (HARP). https://doh.gov.ph [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

2. Herek, G. M. (1999). AIDS and stigma. American Behavioral Scientist, 42(7), 1106–1116. https://doi.org/10.1177/00027649921954787 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

3. Tan, A. J., Rivera, M. C., & Sy, C. L. (2021). Misconceptions and stigma in HIV education among Filipino college students. Philippine Journal of Health Education, 18(2), 45–59. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

4. UNAIDS. (2023). Global AIDS update 2023. https://unaids.org/en/resources [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

5. Velasco, D. L. (2022). The role of peer networks in shaping HIV-related attitudes among youth. SAGE Open, 12(1). https://doi.org/10.1177/21582440221079823 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

• Tribal Child Nutrition and Health in District of Sundargarh: A Public Health Review of ICDS Intervention
• Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices Towards Prostate Cancer Screening Amongst Men Aged 40-60 Years in The Buea Health District: A Cross-Sectional Study
• Compliance with JCI Protocols: A Focus on Employee Safety
• Influence and Involvement of Teachers in Menstrual Hygiene Management of Female Secondary School Students in Kogi State, Nigeria
• A Critical Evaluation of Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana in Bihar