Perceptions of HIV positive adolescents about the disease and its manifestations

Abstract

Introduction: The lack of information on knowledge, perceptions, and behaviours regarding HIV risk and preventive behaviours among Indian adolescents is alarming. Objective: To assess the perceptions of HIV Positive adolescents about disease and its manifestations. Materials and Methods: 101 HIV positive adolescents were randomly selected into the study. study populations were given a questionnaire in Telugu and English containing questions regarding the 1) knowledge on HIV disease, 2) attitude towards life,3) perceptions and feelings about disease, 4) issues relating to treatment 5) impact of counselling, 6) attitude towards the other HIV positive people. The questions were explained to them, and they were asked to write answers. Results: More than 64% of adolescents have an idea about HIV transmission. More than 44% ,84%, 64% have an idea that HIV is a manageable disease, concept about the disease, good hope about their future respectively. More than 40% adolescents preferred HIV positive person as their partner. More than 90% of adolescents felt that many things are there to live happily. Conclusion: From the results it can be concluded that study gave a general idea about few perceptions of HIV positive adolescents about the disease and its manifestations.