UCLA

ABSTRACT OF THE THESIS

Background: There were an estimated 300,000 new HIV infections in the Asia and Pacific region in 2015, with young people aged 15 to 24 years accounting for 37% of all new HIV infections. The number of adolescents living with HIV has risen by 28% between 2005 and 2015 in this region. The HIV/AIDS-related knowledge, attitudes, behavior and HIV testing status study was done among young people aged 15 to 24 years in Myanmar, 2016.

Objectives: To assess the knowledge, attitude, behavior, and HIV testing status among young people of Myanmar.

Methods: The study was a cross-sectional study; it was a nationally representative survey of women and men age 15-24 year throughout Myanmar, data based on 2015-16 Myanmar Demographic and Health Survey (MDHS). A total of 3,728 women and 1,458 men were interviewed to examine knowledge, awareness, and behavior regarding HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). The survey used computer-assisted field editing (CAFE) procedures. SAS software 9.4 used for data management and analyses.

Results: The young people in the study group have the high awareness about HIV, but limited knowledge about HIV/ AIDS prevention which varied across residence and education level. The stigma and discrimination of HIV/AIDS still prevalent among young people. The prevalence of HIV testing was low among young men.

Conclusion: HIV related knowledge, attitude and behavior among young people is the key area to focus on young people living in the rural area with low education and income in Myanmar. The policymakers and HIV program managers should focus on the most vulnerable groups on HIV prevention by awareness raising campaign and by creating an enabling environment for HIV counseling and testing.

Keywords: HIV/AIDS, Knowledge, Attitude and Practice, Young People