Original article

Background: HIV/AIDS is the major public health problem in our country. Studies need to be conducted to assess the behavioral risk factors of its transmission and prevention. Objectives: To assess knowledge, attitude and practice of HIV/AIDS in the study population. Methods: Community based cross-sectional study was done to assess the knowledge, attitude and practice on HIV/AIDS among individuals aged 15 years and above in Gambella town in November, 2000. Structured questionnaire was used to collect data. Results: A total of 359 individuals were interviewed among whom 53.8 % were males. Fifty-five percent of them were between 20 and 30 years of age. Majority of the study population were government employee. Sixty six percent were married while 25 % were single. Oromos (32.9%), Agnuaks (21.4%), Amharas (16.7%) and Nuers (12.5%) were the major ethnic groups in the study population. About ninety six percent of the interviewed population reported to have heard about HIV/AIDS for whom the main source of information was the mass media (82.8%). The majority reported unprotected sex (79.7%) and unsafe blood transfusion (64.2%) as common ways of HIV transmission. About eighty six percent and 80 % agreed on screening before marriage and voluntar