Abstract:
Risky behavior in students is not infrequent. The prevalence of HIV in Ukraine is one of the highest in Europe. The aim of this study was to investigate risk factors of HIV transmission and prevalence of HIV testing in medical students from Ukraine. Medical students were invited to answer questions concerning individual risk factors of HIV transmission and HIV testing. Answers were received from 861 4th and 6th year students. Data from 20 received questionnaires was considered invalid and therefore excluded from further analysis. Answers from 841 students were analyzed. 36.94% had undergone HIV testing and only 14.84% were tested more than once. Unprotected vaginal sexual contacts with casual partners including forced contacts were reported by 27.23%. Intravenous drug use was reported by 1.66%. Male students reported higher prevalence of sex-related risky behavior and more frequent HIV testing. Professional injuries with exposed needles were reported by 29.13% of students. It is important to more actively popularize HIV testing in students, explain risk factors of HIV transmission, and to a organize needlestick injury prevention and control program.
Reference:
Chernyshov P. V. (2020) Risk Factors for HIV Transmission and HIV Testing Among Medical Students. Acta Dermatovenerologica Croatica. 28(1), p.2–8.