Knowledge about HIV/AIDS among Xth standard students in Mangalore, India

Abstract

Background: HIV an abbreviation of human immunodeficiency virus, infection of which in most advanced stage leads to AIDS. HIV/AIDS is both global public health problem and young people are at the centre of global HIV/AIDS pandemic. Lack of information and understanding about HIV/AIDS, increases their susceptibility towards the disease. Hence, this study was conducted to assess the knowledge of HIV/AIDS among the X grade students as well as to know the differences in knowledge across gender.Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted among 250 students studying in X grade of 3 private schools located in Mangalore city, selected by multistage cluster sampling. The study was conducted for duration of 2 weeks using a predesigned and pre-structured questionnaire. Ethical approval from the institution and necessary permission from school authority was obtained prior to initiation of study. Results: Mean age of the study participants was 15.40±0.615. Females were predominant in the age group of 14 and 16 years (100.0% and 53.40% respectively). Majority of them had adequate knowledge of full form of HIV (94.4%), virus as causative agent (85.6%), awareness symbol of HIV/AIDS (86.8%), modes of transmission of HIV (871.6%). Poor knowledge was observed in areas of prevention (60.4%), actions that does not transmit HIV infection (58.0%), availability of blood tests (58.0%) and drugs (42.4%). Males had better knowledge in various areas when compared to females.Conclusions: Stringent efforts are required to improve the knowledge of HIV/AIDS by health education camps and school teachers need to be trained to enhance the knowledge of students.