Secondary school students’ awareness of contraceptive methods, understanding of HIV/AIDS prevention and perception of HIV/AIDS risk in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

Abstract Background To assess awareness of contraceptive methods, understanding of HIV/AIDS prevention and perception of HIV risk among secondary school students in Tanzania. Methods An anonymous self-administered questionnaire survey was conducted among secondary school students in 2017 in Tanzania. The questionnaire included sociodemographic characteristics, awareness of contraceptive methods, understanding of HIV/AIDS prevention and perception of HIV/AIDS risk. Three secondary schools in Dar es Salaam were selected considering gender balance and location, which included urban and surrounding areas. After the research objectives, methods and ethical considerations were explained, the students voluntarily completed and submitted the questionnaire in the designated place. Submission of the questionnaire was considered agreement to participate in the study. Results A total of 233 responses were collected, and 204 responses were valid for the analysis. The mean and standard deviation of age were 18.5 ± 1.0. Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient between understanding of HIV/AIDS prevention and perception of HIV/AIDS risk was ρ=0.184 (P=0.036). However, there was no correlation between awareness of contraceptive methods and understanding of HIV/AIDS prevention (ρ=0.019, P=0.782) or perception of HIV/AIDS risk (ρ=-0.138 P=0.116). Regardless of gender, age, religion, and major course of study, mother’s educational status (β=0.150, P=0.031 and β=0.232, P=0.034, respectively) and the number of information sources (β=0.584, P<0.001 and β=-0.311, P=0.006, respectively) demonstrated associations with awareness of contraceptive methods and perception of HIV/AIDS risk. Respondents who lived outside of a dormitory (β=0.295, P=0.001) and currently had a partner (β=0.243, P=0.009) demonstrated a higher understanding of HIV/AIDS prevention regardless of gender, age, religion, and major course of study. Conclusions The factors associated with awareness of contraceptive methods, understanding of HIV/AIDS prevention and perception of HIV/AIDS risk were not consistent. To improve awareness of contraceptive methods, understanding of HIV/AIDS prevention and perception of HIV/AIDS risk among secondary school students, educational programs should be integrated and holistically provided as sexual health education.