KNOWLEDGE AND ATTITUDES OF ADOLESCENTS ABOUT HIV/AIDS DISEASE AMONG THE KARANG TARUNA YOUTH IN MOJO SUB-DISTRICT, SURABAYA

Abstract

Abstract. HIV/AIDS is a sexually transmitted disease that can result in death. Adolescents
who are sexually active and often lack basic information about reproductive health are
vulnerable to reproductive health issues like HIV/AIDS. The purpose of this research is to
assess the knowledge and attitudes of adolescents about HIV/AIDS disease among the
Karang Taruna youth in Mojo Sub-District, Surabaya. This research is a quantitative
descriptive study with a cross-sectional approach. The sample size used was 101 Karang
Taruna youth residing in the Mojo Sub-district, Surabaya, selected using purposive
sampling technique. The research was conducted from April to May 2023. Data were collected
through a Google Form questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive analysis. The results
of this research that adolescents have good knowledge in the indicators of
understanding HIV/AIDS (79%), sufficient knowledge about the causes of HIV/AIDS
(39%) and its transmission (47%), but their knowledge is lacking in recognizing signs and
symptoms (64%) and prevention methods (35.7%). Meanwhile, adolescents
with positive attitudes are found in the indicators of understanding
HIV/AIDS (70%), its transmission (60%), and prevention methods (54%).
Adolescents with negative attitudes are found in the indicator related to the causes of
HIV/AIDS (53%), then the signs and symptoms indicators obtained the same
results (50%). Based on the results of this study it is hoped that adolescents with limited
knowledge can improve their understanding, and those with negative attitudes can receive
education regarding the impact of HIV/AIDS. This is expected to help shape positive
attitudes in efforts to prevent HIV/AIDS.
Keywords: Knowledge, Attitude, HIV/AIDS, Adolescents