Assessing senior high school student's knowledge, awareness and perceptions on HIV and other STIS between two schools in District 2, Laguna

Date

5-2026

Adviser

Lea C. Garcia

Principal

Buela, Mabel S.

Abstract

Cases of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) are experiencing a rapid rise in the Philippines, particularly among the adolescent demographic. This study was designed to assess senior high school (SHS) students’ knowledge, awareness, and perception (KAP) of HIV and other STIs. A quantitative study was conducted among 118 SHS students (35 from private school and 83 from public school) from District 2, Laguna, via KAP survey questionnaire. Data analysis was conducted using Jamovi; the Mann-Whitney U test was employed to determine significant differences between groups at a 5% level of significance. Significant differences were observed between public and private school students across all KAP variables (p<0.05), with public school students generally scoring higher. Sex assigned at birth was only significant for total awareness (p=0.035); female students scored higher. Respondents demonstrated strong baseline knowledge, but showed misconceptions regarding non-transmission routes for HIV. While overall awareness was high, few respondents (31.4% private school students and 16.9% public; 17.2% males and 25% females) were aware of STI testing facilities in their area, or their ability to undergo HIV testing without parental consent (34.3% private, 26.5% public; 22.4% males, 35% females). Most expressed willingness to undergo HIV testing (88.6% private; 91.6% public), and supported sex education (97.1% private; 94.0% public). However, fewer respondents are comfortable discussing HIV and other STIs within their households (54.3% private; 61.4% public). Although the survey demographic demonstrates adequate knowledge and awareness and generally positive perceptions towards HIV and STI-related issues, critical gaps remain in comprehensive knowledge and practical awareness. As such, these findings may suggest the need for more targeted and responsive sex education programs, as well as improved accessibility to STI testing facilities within the local community.

Language

English

Location

UP Rural High School

Document Type

Capstone

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