RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN KNOWLEDGE LEVEL AND RISKYBEHAVIOR OF HIV/AIDS TRANSMISSION IN ADOLESCENTS

Abstract

Adolescents are a high-risk group and are vulnerable to problems of sexuality, drug abuse, and sharing needles, which are risk factors for HIV/AIDS transmission. Data from the Malang District Health Office state that there were 460 HIV/AIDS cases in Malang. This study aimed to analyze the relationship between the level of knowledge and behavior at risk of transmitting HIV/AIDS among adolescents. The design of this study was correlational analysis with a cross-sectional approach. The sample was taken using non-probability sampling based on inclusion and exclusion criteria, involving 156 respondents. Data were collected using questionnaires and analyzed with the Spearman rank test. The results showed a relationship between knowledge and behavior at risk of transmitting HIV/AIDS among adolescents, with r = 0.178 and a significance value of 0.026 (p < 0.05). Most respondents had a good level of knowledge (79.5%) and positive behavior (71.8%). It can be concluded that a good level of knowledge in adolescents is associated with positive behavior towards HIV/AIDS prevention, and continuous health education efforts can have a positive impact on reducing the rate of HIV/AIDS transmission.