Knowledge and Awareness about Recent Advances in HIV Diagnostics Among General Population-A Survey

Abstract

HIV (Human immunodeficiency virus) is a virus which cripples the immune system and causes AIDS; with no effective cure. It can be diagnosed by many techniques like HIV-Antigen/antibody test, Nucleic acid test-CD4 T Cell count, viral load (HIV RNA)-drug-resistant, complications test, tuberculosis, hepatitis B or C-STIS, Liver or kidney damage. The aim of this study was to assess the popular perception about the advances in diagnostics of HIV among the general population. An online survey with a self-structured questionnaire was prepared based on the advances in diagnostics of HIV/AIDS. A questionnaire containing 10 questions was distributed among the general population through an online survey platform. Results were analyzed using SPSS software version 2.0. 37% of them were aware of the various HIV diagnostic tests and the majority were not aware. 92% of the population believed that Antigen/antibody test can also be a diagnostic test for HIV. 69% were familiar about the recent testing methods which have the potency to diagnose p24. Based on this survey, it was concluded that the general population was well aware about the recent techniques of diagnostics used in HIV.