Self-Esteem and HIV/AIDS: The Case of University Students

  • Frances Emily Owusu-Ansah Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology

Abstract

HIV/AIDS is one of the most devastating and challenging pandemic that face humanity today. The two-fold objectives of this study were: first, to obtain information on students’ level of awareness about HIV-AIDS on the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, (KNUST) Kumasi, Ghana campus. Second, to delineate challenges and potential risk factors towards enhancing the efficacy of prevention programs; particularly the relationship of HIV-AIDS awareness to self-esteem.

Four hundred and eighty (480) students, at various stages of their education, participated in the study. The Rosenberg Self-Esteem scale was used in addition to constructed questionnaires for the study. Results indicate that a healthy sense of self-worth can be a buffer against acquiring the disease. Persons with high self-esteem had more knowledge of HIV/AIDS and were less likely to engage in sexually risky behaviors. Other risk behaviors among students are noted and discussed for their clinical implications and the efficacy of prevention programs.

Author Biography

Frances Emily Owusu-Ansah, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology

School of Medical Sciences, Dept. of Behavioral Sciences, KNUST, Kumasi Ghana

Published
2023-12-22