Johanna Shilula, Emmanuel Magesa* and Helaria Namugongo
Background: Despite the availability of PrEP to stop the spread of the HIV virus, 1.5 million people worldwide contracted the disease in 2020. Namibia has a target of enrolling 16, 017 individuals by the end of 2022, However, the country has only been able to enroll 4,702 individuals on PrEP until October 2022.
Objectives: The main objective of the study is to assess the knowledge and attitudes of the Southern campus nursing students regarding the use of Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP).
Method: The study employed a quantitative descriptive cross-sectional study design. Sample size of 63 respondents was calculated using Rasoft® sample size calculator software. Respondents were randomly selected. To analyse the data, statistical software known as Epi info version 24 was used.
Findings: Based on the data collected, 63.5% of nursing students are knowledgeable regarding the use of PrEP, however 36.5% of nursing students have insufficient knowledge on PrEP. Furthermore, 82.5% of nursing students have positive attitudes towards the usage of PrEP, although 17.5% alluded that PrEP will make them susceptible to unwanted pregnancies.
Conclusion: University of Namibia, nursing students at southern campus have shown sufficient knowledge and positive attitudes towards the usage of PrEP. However, they do have some misconceptions. This study will have high use in facilitating the implanting of PrEP program at the campus.
