Turkish university students' sexual behaviour, knowledge, attitudes and perceptions of risk related to HIV/AIDS / Figen Cok, Lizbeth Ann Gray, Hakan Ersever

F. Cok, L. Gray, H. Ersever

Over 500 university students in Ankara, Turkey were surveyed to determine their knowledge, attitudes and perceptions of risk related to HIV/AIDS. Specific sexual behaviours and sexual communication behaviours of this population were also assessed. Respondents reported a moderate levelof knowledge about the transmission, symptomology and prevention of the disease. Significant misconceptions regarding HIV/AIDS were found. Students' attitudestoward people with HIV/AIDS were contradictory showing both accepting and unaccepting views depending, in part, on their personal involvement with an RN positive person. One third of the total participants reported sexual activity. The same individuals also described limited safer sexual behaviours. Regardless of sexual activity, student perceptions of their personal risk were low. Recommendations are made concerning HIV/AIDS education for Turkish university students including funding for volunteer organizations currently in place, and training formats for media personnel.