The Correlation Between Knowledge Level and Adolescents' Attitudes towards HIV AIDS Prevention at SMPN 1 Plered Cirebon District

Abstract

Adolescents are one of the populations that contribute the most to HIV AIDS cases. Adolescents' knowledge and attitudes towards HIV AIDS prevention are important factors in shaping a person's behavior or actions. The study aims to determine the correlation between knowledge and attitudes towards HIV AIDS prevention at SMP Negeri (State Junior High School) 1 Plered Cirebon. The research was a quantitative study with a cross sectional approach. The population in this study were students of SMP Negeri 1 Plered (N=214). The sampling technique used purposive sampling with a sample of 139 students. The data were collected using a valid and reliable questionnaire on HIV AIDS prevention knowledge and attitudes. All data were analyzed using descriptive statistics presented in the form of a frequency distribution table and a correlation test with the Spearman rank test. The results of the bivariate analysis found that there was a correlation between knowledge and attitudes of adolescents towards HIV AIDS prevention (p=0.001). In conclusion, adolescents still have a tendency towards HIV AIDS prevention knowledge and attitudes that are lacking and negative. The institution is expected to be able to conduct health education with various methods and peer education in increasing the knowledge and attitudes of respondents in HIV AIDS prevention.