Background: Knowledge about HIV and AIDS is important in promoting safer sexual behaviour. Given that there is no vaccine or cure for HIV and AIDS, knowledge about HIV and AIDS is an important enabler in the prevention efforts. The aim of the study is to investigate HIV and AIDS knowledge and predictors among students at Nelson Mandela University in South Africa.
Methods: The study was conducted using cross-sectional and quantitative research methodology among students at Nelson Mandela University. Stratified sampling was employed to select 884 undergraduate students. A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data analysed using SPSS version 26. A bivariate and multivariable binary logistic regression model was employed to identify predictors of HIV and AIDS knowledge. The p-value <0.05 and odds ratio with 95% confidence interval were used to determine statistical significance of the findings.
Results: Findings show that 52.5% of the students had good knowledge about HIV and AIDS. Having a monthly stipend >2000 rand from parents/relatives (AOR=2.71 (1.35–5.49)), being in the third year level of study and higher up (AOR=5.35 (2.93–9.77)), and being in the health science faculty (AOR=16.29 (8.22–32.29)) were significant predictors of good level of HIV and AIDS knowledge.
Conclusion: Almost half of the students reported poor knowledge about HIV and AIDS. There were misconceptions about HIV transmission routes among students. Monthly income, level of the study, and faculty of study were reported to be significant predictors of HIV and AIDS knowledge. This study calls for the need to provide students with more HIV and AIDS education to address HIV and AIDS knowledge gaps and promote behavioural change.
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