Awareness about HIV/AIDS amongst commerce students

Dr Urvish Joshi; Dr Sheetal Vyas; Dr Divyesh Shah; Dr Kanisha Shah; Dr Kruti Shah; Dr Nidhi Sardhara

Volume : III, Issue : XII, December - 2014

Awareness about HIV/AIDS amongst commerce students

Dr Urvish Joshi, Dr Sheetal Vyas, Dr Divyesh Shah, Dr Kanisha Shah, Dr Kruti Shah, Dr Nidhi Sardhara

Abstract :

Introduction HIV/AIDS is rapidly spreading,major public health problem in India. National response emphasises the preventive strategies by high-risk-behaiour-reduction at early age and dissemination of right messages during formative years. Present study was carried out to assess baseline levels of HIV/AIDS awareness and to assess the impact of on-hand, interventional training in improving them among commerce students. Methodology All 50, first yearcommerce students from a college were selected. Awareness levels on HIV/AIDS were checked by pre and post-training questionnaire-based interview method. Gain in knowledge and change in behaviour pattern was analysed. Results More than 50% gain was seen for questions related to highest concentration of HIV in body fluids, drugs available, incubation period of HIV, indicator cells for prognosis and commonest infections in HIV/AIDS. Definite gap areas were identified in knowledge about modes of HIV transmission and opportunistic infections. More than 75%, 50% and 25% gain respectively was seen in whereabouts of ART facilities, knowledge of HIV/AIDS helplineand whereabouts of testing facilities. 42% gain was reported post-training for question on pre-transfusion blood tests. Doctors were preferred as future source of information. Unsympathetic attitude towards seropositives was seen in 4% subjects pre-training. Conclusion Dissemination of right messages during formative years is imperative. BCC with correct technical, programmatic and health-seeking-behaviour-related knowledge is need of hour. Short, on-hand, college-based trainings on HIV/AIDS should be incorporated in syllabus.