Phusayam Anurakwongsri¹, Lanlalin Sojikul¹, Yanwadee Chitkoolsamphan¹, Thana Khawcharoenporn, MD, MSc²

Objective: To evaluate knowledge, risk perception, and attitudes towards human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection among Thai university students.

Materials and Methods: An anonymous online survey was conducted in February 2025 among Thammasat University students. Participants were categorized into high-risk, moderate-risk, and low-risk groups according to predefined HIV risk characteristics.

Results: Of the 379 included students, most were female (71%) and heterosexual (71%), and were categorized as low-risk (72%), moderate-risk (20%), and high-risk (9%) for HIV infection. A significantly larger proportion of male and homosexual participants were in the moderate- and high-risk groups. Rates of consistent condom use for vaginal, anal, and oral sex were 67%, 48%, and 29%, respectively. Most students (more than 80%) were knowledgeable about HIV risk behaviors and transmission routes, but less knowledgeable about antiretroviral drug use for treatment and prevention. Of the 379 students, 105 (28%) had a false perception of low HIV risk, while the rates were 99% and 97% among moderate- and high-risk participants, respectively. Most students agreed that they are able to live their daily life alongside people living with HIV (PLWH), and they are willing to offer advice to PLWH regarding treatment and prevention of transmission, while attitudes were diverse on preventive behaviors of PLWH.

Conclusion: The findings suggest the need to promote consistent condom use, improve knowledge on HIV treatment, prevention, and risk

perception, and focus on risk behavior reduction among at-risk students, especially homosexual and male students.

Received 10 November 2025 | Revised 16 December 2025 | Accepted 19 December 2025

DOI: 10.35755/jmedassocthai.2026.5.03906