This study examined the extent and specificity of knowledge about HIV/AIDS, the most used sources of information and the usefulness of these sources among Asian-Indian adolescents who were born in the USA and whose parents emigrated from India. Although 86% knew that having unsafe sex with a person infected with HIV could transmit HIV, 47% did not know that sharing a razor with an HIV-positive person could do so, and a significant proportion believed that donating blood (27%) and taking blood tests (14%) could transmit HIV. Television was the most used source of information, but school programmes on HIV/AIDS were considered the most useful source. The results indicated that to be effective, HIV/AIDS prevention programmes must assess the gap in scientific knowledge and beliefs, and clarify misconceptions, reinforce school programmes to present clear messages about the transmission of HIV/AIDS and utilize television to reach adolescents.

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The number of physicians who are underrepresented in medicine within the pediatric infectious diseases workforce remains disproportionate compared to the US population. Physician workforce diversity plays an important role in reducing health care disparities. Pathways to careers in pediatric infectious diseases require that a diverse pool of students enter medicine and subsequently choose pediatric residency followed by subspecialty training. Efforts must be made to expose learners to pediatric infectious diseases earlier in the education timeline. Along with recruitment and creation of pathways, cultures of inclusivity must be created and fostered within institutions of learning along the entire spectrum of medical training.