This study explored preparatory students’ perceptions of the risk of contracting the Human Immuno-deficiency Virus (HIV) and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in Ethopia. It utilised a non-experimental exploratory survey methodology. A range of findings was revealed. Most respondents (67.14%) were knowledgeable about HIV/AIDS and more than half of the respondents knew about STIs. A significant number of respondents (67.1%) were able to describe HIV transmission prevention methods. Twenty one percent of respondents were sexually active and 17.0% of these reported to have used condoms. Twenty nine percent and 4.25% of the respondents had selfperceived risk of contracting HIV infection and STIs respectively. In spite of increased awareness of HIV/AIDS, school youths still engage in high-risk sexual activities and believe that they are unlikely to contract the disease. The study findings have implications for practice, and recommendations are offered for further research / Health Studies / M.A. (Public Health)

Background AIDS remains one of the world’s most serious health challenges affecting more females than men. The differences in the spread of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) among gender groups stem from biology, sexual behaviour and socially constructed gender differences between women and men in roles and responsibilities, access to resources and decision-making power. It could also be due to the females’ status in society which could be justified by lower economic and decision making ability. Purpose The purpose of this study was to explore and describe the role of gender in the spread of HIV among women of reproductive age in Ethiopia; with the view of developing gender sensitive HIV and AIDS prevention strategies. Methods The study used sequential mixed method with quantitative and qualitative paradigm. During first phase of the study, health facility based descriptive cross-sectional study design was used. Data was collected from 422 respondents using a structured questionnaire. Forty participants were recruited by purposive sampling from representatives working in reproductive health or related fields. Results About 83.2% of respondents reported that sexual intercourse discussion should be initiated by male partners. This showed that majority of respondents were dependent on their male partners in decision-making regarding sexual matters in their relationship. Multiple sexual partners were common among the respondents. One third of the respondents reported to have had intercourse with more than one partner during the past twelve months of the study period. Higher proportion of respondents (61.4%, n=259) had never used condom during sexual intercourse with their partner/s. As a result these risky sexual practices are a potential threat for spread of HIV and AIDS among women. Thus developed guidelines would alleviate the existing problems through implementation of strategies of HIV and AIDS prevention to enhance women’s status at household and different administrative structure level. Conclusion Gender disparities in relation to negotiating sexual relations among the study respondents were found to be still relevant. The culture that has placed men at the helm of leadership in sexual matters is strongly upheld and that includes who recommends use of preventive measures and who regulates when and how to enter into a sexual relationship. Guidelines for gender sensitive prevention strategies if applied appropriately would educate women and men to make decision about what directly affects their health / Health Studies / D. Litt. et Phil. (Health Studies)

This study was conducted to determine retention rate and factors associated with loss to follow-up (LTFU) of adult pre-ART patients in St. Luke hospital, Ethiopia. Cross-sectional study with quantitative and qualitative data collection techniques was used. Review of patient records, focus group discussions and review of program guidelines was conducted to determine level of adherence among pre-ART patients. In addition, pre-ART service quality and perceived reasons for discontinuation was explored. The study revealed that only 38.2% of the 335 patients enrolled in the pre-ART care were retained after 12 months of follow-up in the program. More than half (55.6%), of the LTFU occurred during the first 6 months of follow-up. Fear of discrimination, high transportation cost and mistrust in the pre-ART service were perceived reasons for LTFU. Absences of clear pre-ART service package and implementation guideline were also identified as important factors that may be related to LTFU. The findings call for improved quality of care and a better pre-ART service packaging that will address the gaps identified in order to increase patient retention. / Health Studies / MA (Public Health)

This study was conducted to determine retention rate and factors associated with loss to follow-up (LTFU) of adult pre-ART patients in St. Luke hospital, Ethiopia. Cross-sectional study with quantitative and qualitative data collection techniques was used. Review of patient records, focus group discussions and review of program guidelines was conducted to determine level of adherence among pre-ART patients. In addition, pre-ART service quality and perceived reasons for discontinuation was explored. The study revealed that only 38.2% of the 335 patients enrolled in the pre-ART care were retained after 12 months of follow-up in the program. More than half (55.6%), of the LTFU occurred during the first 6 months of follow-up. Fear of discrimination, high transportation cost and mistrust in the pre-ART service were perceived reasons for LTFU. Absences of clear pre-ART service package and implementation guideline were also identified as important factors that may be related to LTFU. The findings call for improved quality of care and a better pre-ART service packaging that will address the gaps identified in order to increase patient retention. / Health Studies / MA (Public Health)

This study explored preparatory students’ perceptions of the risk of contracting the Human Immuno-deficiency Virus (HIV) and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in Ethopia. It utilised a non-experimental exploratory survey methodology. A range of findings was revealed. Most respondents (67.14%) were knowledgeable about HIV/AIDS and more than half of the respondents knew about STIs. A significant number of respondents (67.1%) were able to describe HIV transmission prevention methods. Twenty one percent of respondents were sexually active and 17.0% of these reported to have used condoms. Twenty nine percent and 4.25% of the respondents had selfperceived risk of contracting HIV infection and STIs respectively. In spite of increased awareness of HIV/AIDS, school youths still engage in high-risk sexual activities and believe that they are unlikely to contract the disease. The study findings have implications for practice, and recommendations are offered for further research / Health Studies / M.A. (Public Health)

Background AIDS remains one of the world’s most serious health challenges affecting more females than men. The differences in the spread of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) among gender groups stem from biology, sexual behaviour and socially constructed gender differences between women and men in roles and responsibilities, access to resources and decision-making power. It could also be due to the females’ status in society which could be justified by lower economic and decision making ability. Purpose The purpose of this study was to explore and describe the role of gender in the spread of HIV among women of reproductive age in Ethiopia; with the view of developing gender sensitive HIV and AIDS prevention strategies. Methods The study used sequential mixed method with quantitative and qualitative paradigm. During first phase of the study, health facility based descriptive cross-sectional study design was used. Data was collected from 422 respondents using a structured questionnaire. Forty participants were recruited by purposive sampling from representatives working in reproductive health or related fields. Results About 83.2% of respondents reported that sexual intercourse discussion should be initiated by male partners. This showed that majority of respondents were dependent on their male partners in decision-making regarding sexual matters in their relationship. Multiple sexual partners were common among the respondents. One third of the respondents reported to have had intercourse with more than one partner during the past twelve months of the study period. Higher proportion of respondents (61.4%, n=259) had never used condom during sexual intercourse with their partner/s. As a result these risky sexual practices are a potential threat for spread of HIV and AIDS among women. Thus developed guidelines would alleviate the existing problems through implementation of strategies of HIV and AIDS prevention to enhance women’s status at household and different administrative structure level. Conclusion Gender disparities in relation to negotiating sexual relations among the study respondents were found to be still relevant. The culture that has placed men at the helm of leadership in sexual matters is strongly upheld and that includes who recommends use of preventive measures and who regulates when and how to enter into a sexual relationship. Guidelines for gender sensitive prevention strategies if applied appropriately would educate women and men to make decision about what directly affects their health / Health Studies / D. Litt. et Phil. (Health Studies)