Abstract
AIDS is a complex of illnesses caused by HIV. AIDS is the most advanced stage of HIV infection. According to recent reports by NACO, as many as 21.40 lac people are living with HIV (PLHIV) in India. Prevention of new HIV infections continues to be the mainstay of India’s national AIDS response. The lack of awareness and misconceptions about HIV/AIDS in the general population is mostly responsible for rapid spread of the disease and also with the social stigma attached with PLHIV in our country. Hence the present study was conducted to assess awareness regarding HIV/AIDS in newly admitted (First Year) medical students. This was a cross-sectional study done on 122 First Year MBBS students of Shri Bhausaheb Hire Govt. Medical College, Maharashtra. Data was collected by pretested questionnaires and analyzed using percentage. All students (100%) mentioned unsafe sex and infected blood transfusion as a risk behavior. Most of the respondents believed HIV infection can be transmitted from: HIV infected pregnant woman to her baby (93%), breast feeding (62%), contaminated syringes, needles and razors (98%), tattooing (64%) and IV drug abuse (66%). Students were aware that it does not spread through wearing clothes of HIV-infected persons (92%), mosquito bite (77%), hugging and shaking hands with an infected person (97%), sharing common toilets (81%), sharing common utensils like plates, cups and spoons (84%), saliva (81%), contact with urine (48%) and feces (51%), coughing and sneezing (75%) and sharing a meal (93%). Awareness regarding prevention of HIV/AIDS was also found to be high with percentage of students responding for oral contraceptive pills (84%), IUCD (61%), condoms(98%), health education(99%), avoiding untested blood transfusion(100% boys and 95% girls), use of disposable syringe (85%), avoiding breastfeeding (44%) and use of latex gloves (41%). 82% of respondents are willing to assist with the delivery of a baby born to a mother with HIV/AIDS. All students believed that a separate educational programme for awareness and sensitization towards HIV/AIDS for people engaged in healthcare is needed. The present study shows that the medical students have somewhat better awareness and knowledge regarding HIV/AIDS than the general population. Still, there is a need for specific educational modules for imparting positive attitudes in medical students and healthcare providers in relation to people living with HIV/AIDS.
Highlights
Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), which is known as Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome, is a complex of illnesses caused by a retrovirus known as human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)
According to recent reports by National AIDS Control Organization (NACO), there was an estimated 21.40 [15.90 - 28.39] lac people living with HIV (PLHIV) in India
Question Have you ever heard, watched or read about HIV/AIDS in the past? What is full form of HIV? What is full form of AIDS? What is the difference between HIV positive and AIDS? Which of the following day is celebrated as worlds AIDS day? Red ribbon is the Symbol of HIV/ AIDS awareness Following is the mode of acquiring HIV infection Following is the Causative agent of AIDS
Summary
AIDS, which is known as Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome, is a complex of illnesses caused by a retrovirus. Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) is the most advanced stage of HIV infection. 1. According to an estimation by UNAIDS, since the first cases of HIV were reported more than 35 years ago, 78 million people have become infected with HIV and 35 million have died from AIDS-related illnesses. According to recent reports by National AIDS Control Organization (NACO), there was an estimated 21.40 [15.90 - 28.39] lac people living with HIV (PLHIV) in India. 5. The lack of awareness and misconceptions about HIV/AIDS in general population is mostly responsible for rapid spread and with the social stigma attached with PLHIV in our country. The present study was conducted to assess awareness regarding HIV/AIDS in First Year MBBS students. This opportunity was used to educate and remove misconception about HIV/AIDS
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