TITLE:
HIV/AIDS-Related Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices of HIV-Positive Adolescents Treated in the Pediatrics Department of the Bouaké Teaching Hospital
AUTHORS:
Berthe Evelyne Lasme-Guillao, Kouassi Christian Yao, Ehi Alexise Eleonore Amani, Aude Hélène Aka-Tanoh, Christelle Honorine Rohon Avi-Siallou, Iburaima Alamun Akanji, Gnantin Josette Landryse Sahi, Leïoh Roméo Adou, Kouadio Vincent Asse
KEYWORDS:
Adolescent, HIV/AIDS, Knowledge, Attitudes, Practices, Côte d’Ivoire
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Pediatrics,
Vol.15 No.6,
November
20,
2025
ABSTRACT: Introduction: Adolescents living with HIV/AIDS (ALHIV) treated in pediatrics at the Bouaké Teaching Hospital, face numerous physical, psychological and social challenges exposing them to risky behaviours. The aim of the study was to analyze their knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) related to HIV/AIDS. Methods: The study, conducted between April 1 to 30, 2024, included adolescents followed up in the pediatrics department of Bouaké Teaching Hospital, with the consent of their parents or legal parents or legal guardians. The variables studied included knowledge about HIV, attitudes to the disease and the practices. Variables were compared at the significance level p ≤ 0.05. Results: A total of 61 of the 71 adolescents in the active file participated in the study (85.9%). Full disclosure was made in 16.4% of cases. School was the place of information for 76.4%. In 18% of cases, they knew that HIV was transmissible. In 52.5%, they knew the means of prevention. They were non-compliant with treatment in 22.9% of cases. In 11.5% of cases, they stated that they had sexual relations but had not informed their partner of their serological status. Factors significantly associated with good knowledge, attitude and practice were age ≥ 15 years (p Conclusion: It thus becomes imperative to reinforce therapeutic adherence, the total announcement process and communication relating to sexual and reproductive health for the attention of AVVIH.