Level of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Awareness among Grade 11 STEM in Olivarez College Tagaytay SY 2018-2019

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

In Asia Pacific, the Philippines has become the country with the fastest growing HIV cases. According to the report of UNAIDS, the number of new HIV cases in the Philippines has increased in the past six years. Additionally, National Center for HIV/AIDS stated that 1 in 4 HIV positive individuals is 13 to 24 years old. This indicates that many high school students could possibly be a victim of the virus. Hence, it is vital that the students have enough knowledge towards the virus specifically, its nature, causes, effects etc. In line with this, the researcher conducted this study to determine the level of awareness on HIV in Olivarez College. The result of this study will be a basis for the curriculum enhancement for STEM Strand specifically on its subjects where HIV is tackled.

METHODS

This study utilized quantitative descriptive research design. The respondents of the study were the 196 Grade 11 STEM students in Olivarez College since they are most likely to be in the field of medicine in the future. In collecting data, the researcher adapted a questionnaire from the World Health Organization. The researcher used frequency, percentage, and mean score.

RESULTS

As the data gathered were summarized, the researchers arrived at the following findings: The statement "Having Sex with someone who is HIV infected and not using a barrier can transmit HIV," got the highest weighted mean of 3.4 interpreted as very high level. This may imply that the respondents are very aware that in order for them to prevent HIV they need barriers. According to the International Association of Providers of AIDS Care, safer sex guidelines are ways to reduce the risk of spreading HIV during sexual activity. The statement, "HIV canbe cured by herbal medicine" got the lowest mean score of 2.04 interpreted as moderate level. Overall, the level of awareness towards HIV among Grade 11 STEM mean score is 3.01 verbally interpreted as High Level. This may imply that the respondents have sufficient knowledge towards HIV.

DISCUSSIONS

The Philippines certainly needs actions that can boost the youth's awareness towards the HIV. The result of this study stated that in Olivarez College, Grade 11 STEM students have enough knowledge towards the virus but it does not mean that the school administration should maintain their present actions on such. This may be the basis for the curriculum enhancement for STEM specifically on its subjects where HIV is tackled emphasizing the use of different herbal medicine as a cure for the virus.