Assessing the Contribution of the Level of Knowledge and Awareness of HIV and AIDS to the Effective Implementation of Desired HIV/AIDS Prevention Intervention Programs in Higher Tertiary Institutions

HIV and AIDS acknowledged as one of the worst global pandemics to date, has had very severe adverse impacts on the socio-economic development and health of populations in Sub-Sahara Africa, including in Zimbabwe. On this account, the present cross-sectional, mixed-methods study considered assessing the contribution of HIV/AIDS knowledge and awareness to the implementation of effective HIV/AIDS prevention interventions in limited-resource settings to reduce HIV/AIDS incidence among the population in higher tertiary institutions in Zimbabwe. The various behaviour change interventions previously introduced in the general population in Zimbabwe excluded specifically students and employees in higher tertiary institutions. The knowledge and awareness of HIV/AIDS, a key factors known to facilitate the implementation of effective HIV/AIDS interventions. This study’s main objective is to determine thecontribution of the level of HIV/AIDS knowledge and awareness toward the implementation of desired HIV and AIDS interventions in higher tertiary institutions in Zimbabwe. Method: An explanatory sequential mixed methods design was used. A sample of 314 respondents was purposively drawn from students of five universities. A structured survey questionnaire was used to collect quantitative data. Quantitative analysis using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 2.1 produced descriptive statistic means, percentages, tables, t-tests, correlation analysis, p-values, factor analysis, and eigenvalues information. Qualitative data analysis from secondary data was facilitated by using content/thematic analysis. Results: Contribution of the knowledge and awareness of HIV/AIDS to effective implementation of HIV/AIDS interventions;The respondents agreed that knowledge and awareness contribute to implementing HIV/AIDS effective interventions.Female respondents showed higher levels of HIV/AIDS knowledge but lower levels of awareness of HIV/AIDS prevention interventions than males.Correlation analysis shows significant positive relationships between the variables: knowledge, attitudes, perceptions, and social norms on HIV/AIDS, influenced by the level of education, awareness about HIV/AIDS, and transmission modes. The study identified desirable and effective interventions as abstinence, being faithful, consistent condom use, voluntary testing, counselling, and continuous HIV/AIDS education. Conclusion: The study concluded that factors of knowledge and awareness facilitate attitudes, and perceptions leading to behaviour practice change. Eventually contribute to the effective implementation of HIV/AIDS prevention interventions in higher tertiary institutions. Implications of the study institutions could utilize information derived from students and employees to empower them with knowledge and awareness about HIV/AIDS. In addition, include a framework for implementing effective HIV/AIDS interventions and policies