The evaluation of level of awareness of student youth of issues of HIV-infection

Abstract

The article presents the results of study targeted to assessing the level of awareness of students about HIV-infection. On the basis of analysis of publications data, it was established that students of the Russian universities are generally informed about ways of transmission HIV-infection and means and measures of its prevention. It was demonstrated that Russian students are not sufficiently aware of the clinical manifestations of HIV-infection, they do not fully understand the danger of HIV infection as a fatal disease, and often experience phobias against persons living with HIV-infection. The article presented the results of empirical survey of students of the Cherepovets State University (n = 103). The methods of research included statistical analysis, questionnaire, Spirman's rank correlation coefficient. It was established that majority of respondents underestimate the risk of HIV-infection and lack reliable information about prevalence of HIV-infection in the territory of residence. The correlation analysis demonstrated that information about HIV-infection is more significant for students who believe that HIV-infection can concern them. In addition, such students tend to be more tolerant to virus carriers. Along informing students about HIV-infection, it is necessary to train them for responsible behavior in different life situations.