Sexual behaviour, and knowledge and attitude towards HIV/AIDS among out of school youth in Bahir Dar Town, northwest Ethiopia.

Intervention to control the spread of HIV/AIDS in out of school youth is under way in Bahir Dar Town. This survey was therefore conducted in April 1994 to provide baseline data on sexual behaviour, knowledge and attitude towards HIV/AIDS. A total of 1115 out of school young people from eight randomly selected kebeles of the town were interviewed. Fifty one (4.6%) respondents said they have never heard of AIDS. Mean number of sexual partners for those who practised sex was 3.9 +/- 2.5. Knowledge scores were better than attitude and practice scores. Age, sex, marital status, educational status and occupation were significantly related with knowledge, attitude and practice scores (p < 0.05). The association of knowledge scores with attitude and practice scores was not statistically significant; p = 0.056 and p = 0.07, respectively. In addition to improving knowledge, emphasis should be given to other measures such as making the services accessible to the youth. A similar survey is recommended after the intervention programme is over.