FACTORS AFFECTING EXPOSURE OF HIV/ AIDS AMONG SCHOOL YOUTH, METTU TOWN, SOUTH WEST ETHIOPIA

Back ground: Young peo ple between the age of 15 and 24 years are both the most threatened population, accounting for half of all new cases of HIV and the greatest hope for turning the tide against AIDS. Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess factors influences school youth exposure to HIV/ AIDS , in the study area. Methods: School based cross - sectional study was employed. Sample size was determined by using single population proportion formula and four hundred twenty three youths from grade nine to twelve was selected by Simple random sampling technique from registration books. Self administered questionnaires were employed. All explanatory variables that were associated with the outcome variable during bivariate analysis were included in the final logistic model. A mul tivariate logistic regression analysis was made to identify factors that influence school youths exposure to HIV/AIDS at the p - value of < 0.05. Result: In this study 51 (12.9%) of the respondents reported that they practiced sexual intercourse. All student s engaged in sexual activity, 51 (100%) reported to have one sexual partner. All students were aware of HIV/AIDS and all of them knew that HIV is transmitted through sexual intercourse. Condom utilization, having sexual intercourse, drinking alcohols and s moking were found to be the independent predictor for HIV/AIDS. Conclusion and recommendation: It was concluded that school youths have risky behaviors like beginning sexual intercourse earlier, low proportion of condom use, alcohol consumption and smo king. So that education on sexual issue should be given by all concerned bodies.