Study ofHIV/AIDS awareness and educational characteristics of adolescent girls

Abstract

Adolescent girls are particularly vulnerable to HIV infection and to the impact of HIV/ AIDS. Around half of all people living with HIV/AIDS in the world are females. According to NACO (2005), India is the second largest population infected with HIV/AIDS. Over 35 per cent of all reported AIDS cases are among 15 to 24 years. Girls are not so much aware about this concept being contracted with the disease and its after effect, which creates the problem. This makes adolescence a crucial period in her life time. Education is a key to an effective response to HIV/AIDS. Studies show that educated women are more likely to know how to prevent HIV infection, to delay sexual activity and to take measures to protect themselves. Education also accelerates behavioural change among young people, making them more receptive to prevention messages. Universal primary education is not a substitute for expanded HIV/AIDS treatment and prevention, but it is a necessary component that complements these efforts. On the basis of the above point of view the present study was conducted among 200 adolescent girls of Agra district to find out the level of awareness regarding HIV/AIDS according to their educational characteristics. It is concluded from the study that level of awareness regarding HIV/AIDS of most of the respondents was at medium level. The study further indicated that respondents, who were from English medium, studying in C.B.S.E. and I.C.S.C. Board, from science and commerce streams and having high family education status along with highly educated father and mother had better awareness regarding HIV/ AIDS than the other respondents.