A study on awareness regarding HIV/AIDS among medical students in Kancheepuram district, Tamil Nadu

Authors

  • L. Neerajaa Department of Community Medicine, Sree Balaji Medical College, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
  • M. Vijayakarthikeyan Department of Community Medicine, Sree Balaji Medical College, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
  • R. Umadevi Department of Community Medicine, Sree Balaji Medical College, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18203/2394-6040.ijcmph20183885

Keywords:

Awareness, STD, Risky behaviour, ICTC

Abstract

Background: India has the third largest number of people living with HIV/AIDS. India is estimated to have 75,900 new adults with HIV infections. The prevalence of HIV infection was 0.7% in India, 0.26% in Tamil Nadu in the year 2017. HIV related stigma remains an important barrier in effectively fighting against HIV/AIDS. The objectives of the study were to assess knowledge regarding HIV/AIDS among medical students and to assess attitude towards HIV/AIDS among medical students.

Methods: A cross-sectional study conducted among 1st year undergraduates of Sree Balaji Medical College. Sample size was calculated using 4pq/L2, computed to a total of 240. Data collection was done using pretested structured questionnaire, containing 7 questions and 5 questions regarding knowledge and attitude towards HIV/AIDS respectively. Data was entered in MS excel and analysed using SPSS software version 22.

Results: Among the participtants, 46% were male and 54% were female. 91% of study participants had adequate knowledge (94% knew that HIV was preventable, 89% knew about the mode of spread, 90% knew about transmission prevention) and 84% of the study participants had good attitude.

Conclusions: This knowledge and attitude study was to assess the current level of knowledge among first year MBBS students about AIDS at the point of entry to medical course. Few misconceptions were found to exist regarding mode of transmission and prevention. Awareness programmes should be initiated among the MBBS students in the first year itself, so that these lacunae can be rectified.

Author Biography

L. Neerajaa, Department of Community Medicine, Sree Balaji Medical College, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India

Depart of community medicine

Post graduate

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Published

2018-09-24

How to Cite

Neerajaa, L., Vijayakarthikeyan, M., & Umadevi, R. (2018). A study on awareness regarding HIV/AIDS among medical students in Kancheepuram district, Tamil Nadu. International Journal Of Community Medicine And Public Health, 5(10), 4242–4247. https://doi.org/10.18203/2394-6040.ijcmph20183885

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Original Research Articles