Determination of Women’s Level of Knowledge and Attitudes towards AIDS

Abstract

Objective: This study aims to determine women’s level of knowledge and attitudes towards HIV/AIDS. Method: Cross-sectional design was used for this study. It included women who were aged 18 to 65 years and registered in FHCs (Family Health Centers) a city in eastern Turkey between May and August 2021. Women registered in these centers meeting the research criteria consisted of the target population, and the sample was 384 women selected using the sampling method with an unknown target population. Data collection was performed using the Personal Information Form, the AIDS Knowledge Scale, and the AIDS Attitude Scale. Results: Participating women’s average age was 26.91±9.20, and 74.7% reportedly heard about HIV/AIDS before; 62.5% knew about HIV/AIDS; and 75.8% of these women obtained information from friends, social circle, or media. The HIV/AIDS Knowledge Scale mean score of the group was 7.81±4.92, and the HIV/AIDS Attitude Scale mean score was 53.38±10.23. The HIV/AIDS Knowledge Scale mean was significantly higher in university graduates, in those worked and reportedly knew about HIV/AIDS (p<0.05). University graduates’ HIV/AIDS Attitude Scale mean was significantly higher (p<0.05). Conclusion: In this study, it was determined that higher education level had a positive effect on knowledge and attitude toward HIV/AIDS. Public health nurses could organize education programs about the issue by using appropriate materials and methods for women with low education levels.