HIV/AIDS-related knowledge and attitudes towards HIV rapid testing among Chinese college students: Findings from a cross-sectional survey

Data of the awareness level of college students in China about Human Immunodeficiency Virus/Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (HIV/AIDS) knowledge are limited. Also, the attitudes towards HIV rapid testing remain unknown among this population. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the awareness of HIV/AIDS knowledge and attitudes towards HIV rapid testing among Chinese college students. An online cross-sectional survey was performed in 2020. A total of 1,474 participants were finally included. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated to examine associated factors for the cognitive levels and attitudes by multivariable logistic regression. Spearman rank correlation was used to examine the relationship between HIV/AIDS-related knowledge and attitudes. About 91% of participants had a high cognitive level on HIV/AIDS-related knowledge and 84.7% held a positive attitude towards the HIV rapid testing. Postgraduates (OR = 1.75, 95% CI: 1.16-2.66) and females (OR = 1.69, 95% CI: 1.13-2.52) were more knowledgeable. Females' attitudes towards the HIV rapid testing were more positive (OR = 1.91, 95% CI: 1.40-2.62). Moreover, the knowledge was positively correlated with attitudes towards the rapid testing (Spearman r = 0.14, p < 0.001). In conclusion, the Chinese college students had a high cognitive level on HIV/AIDS knowledge and positive attitudes towards HIV rapid testing. A high cognitive level of knowledge paralleled with positive attitudes. Special strategies such as tailored education via HIV/AIDS curriculum and awareness campaigns are needed for undergraduates and male students to minimize the gaps regarding HIV/AIDS-related knowledge and attitudes.