Awareness of HIV/AIDS among first year medical undergraduates:- A pilot study

Amit Malviya; Daneshwar Singh; Binti Simhal; Sharad Tiwari

Volume : V, Issue : III, March - 2016

Awareness of HIV/AIDS among first year medical undergraduates:- A pilot study

Amit Malviya, Daneshwar Singh, Binti Simhal, Sharad Tiwari

Abstract :

Background:- Adult HIV prevalence is in declining trend in our country since 2000. The total number of people with HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) infection in India is estimated to be 10% of all global cases. HIV/AIDS are a major concern of health care professionals all over the world. People living with HIV in India often experience discrimination while receiving health care due to inadequate knowledge and fear among health care professionals. Health education about HIV/AIDS has important role in the proper care of the people living with HIV/AIDS. Methods:- The present cross sectional study was conducted on 200 newly admitted medical undergraduates in three consecutive years. The information concerning basic knowledge of HIV infection, its mode of transmission and methods of prevention were gathered in pre-designed, structured and self-administered questionnaire. Result:- The results of our study informed that almost all the medical undergraduates (100%) students heard about the infection. Although, all of them had correct knowledge about the causative agents, but only 43% had knowledge about availability of drugs to halt the progression of infection in the body. They had good knowledge about availability of diagnostic tests. Majority of them (87-98%) were well informed about the various modes of transmission. Misconceptions about transmission were also prevailing in the students. Majority of them (83-100%) had encouraging knowledge about the preventive approaches. Conclusion:- The study recommended the need for development and organization of HIV/AIDS training sessions at regular intervals from high school level to inception of medical curriculum.