SEXUAL-BEHAVIOR, AND KNOWLEDGE AND ATTITUDE TOWARDS HIV AIDS AMONG OUT OF SCHOOL YOUTH IN BAHIR-DAR-TOWN, NORTHWEST ETHIOPIA/

Intervention to control the spread of HIV/AIDS in out of school youth is under way; in Bahir Dar Town. This survey was therefore conducted i n April 1994 to provide baseline data on sexual behaviour, knowledge a nd attitude towards HIV/AIDS. A total of 1115 out of school young peop le from eight randomly selected; kebeles of the town were interviewed. Fifty one (4.6%) respondents said they have never heard of AIDS. Mean number of sexual partners for those who practised sex was 3.9 +/- 2.5 . Knowledge scores were better than attitude and practice scores. Age, sex, marital status, educational status and occupation were significa ntly related with knowledge, attitude and practice scores (p < 0.05). The association of knowledge scores with attitude and practice scores was not statistically significant, p = 0.056 and p = 0.07, respectivel y. In addition to improving knowledge, emphasis should be given to oth er measures such as making the services accessible to the youth. A sim ilar survey is recommended after the intervention programme is over.