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NJBMS - Volume 6, Issue 1, July - September 2015

Pages: 14-17
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AWARENESS ABOUT HIV/AIDS AMONG MEDICAL ENTRANTS: A QUESTIONNAIRE STUDY

Author: BASAVARAJU ANURADHA, SUBH LAKSHMI

Category: Microbiology

Abstract:

Introduction: Medical students require sound knowledge about HIV/AIDS and professional risks and should be able to offer appropriate information to society. Furthermore, they are not different from sexually active students of other disciplines in their attitudes and risk behaviors.

Aims and Objectives: To know about the awareness about HIV/AIDS among medical students. To benefit student’s knowledge, attitude, and behavior toward HIV/AIDS.

Materials and Methods: A close ended questionnaire study of 144 students from 1st year, i.e., 100 from medical and 44 from dental courses; to improve the overall knowledge of AIDS between the age group of 18-19 years were conducted at Medical and Dental college immediately after joining the course to know their knowledge, attitude, and practice about HIV/AIDS.

Results: The majority of students (67.3%) were acquainted and knew the meaning and abbreviations of HIV/AIDS. A large number of students (93.75%) were aware of the mode of transmission through unprotected sex. A moderate number of them (76.3%) were aware of counseling centers and unfortunately only 16.6% believed there is treatment. 92% were willing to go for voluntary testing and only 20.8% opted for safe sex measures. An overwhelm- ing response was seen regarding youth and medico role to prevent AIDS/HIV, sex education at high schools, testing before marriage, etc. a little was known to them regarding prevention and another mode of transmission of HIV/AIDS.

Conclusion: Awareness program should be carried out.

Keywords: AIDS, Knowledge, Attitude and practice study, Medical entrants