Study on Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)/Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) for Assessment of Knowledge, Awareness and Attitude of School Going Adolescents in Pilani, Rajasthan, India
OBJECTIVE: The study was conducted to assess the difference in the level of awareness, knowledge and attitude of school going adolescents in Pilani, Rajasthan.
METHODOLOGY: This cross-sectional study was undertaken in 8 schools, covering 693 students from 8th to 12th standard. The questionnaire was administered to students in the language of their medium of study for better understanding. The questionnaire assessed student’s awareness regarding general information about HIV/AIDS, its mode of transmission, methods of prevention and the attitude of students towards people with HIV/AIDS. Chi test was performed for males and females.
RESULTS: Out of 693 students 41.1% were male and 58.9% were female students. Significant difference was present in their knowledge when they were asked to expand HIV/AIDS, methods of prevention and also in the attitude of students towards a person having HIV/AIDS. The students had some knowledge about the different modes of transmission. Very few students knew about Antiretroviral Therapy.
Main source of information was either through teachers or through media. Group discussion was the most preferred method for being educated about the disease.
CONCLUSIONS: Significant differences in knowledge among the school going adolescents still persist. The study emphasizes the need for further strengthening health education in schools as it is a powerful tool to bring about positive changes in the level of awareness of the future and one of the most vulnerable segments of society.