Assessment of Knowledge and Attributes Towards Transmission and Prevention of HIV/ Aids Amongst High School and Junior College Students in Mumbai

Abstract

Human Immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a significant health concern globally. Since its discovery in the early 1980’s, HIV has posed a formidable challenge to public health due to its impact on the immune system and its association with Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS). The aim of the study was to assess the knowledge and attribute towards transmission and prevention of HIV/AIDS among the students of high school and junior college in Mumbai.  A total number of 305 students from 8th, 9th, 10th, 11th, 12th class participated in the study. A questionnaire consisting of 32 questions was used to gather information from the students. Study results indicates 23.6% students were unaware that breast milk can spread HIV and 18.2% of respondents believed that HIV might be spread via mosquito bites. 10% of students did not know that using barrier techniques during sexual activity, such as condoms, diaphrams, can significantly lower the risk of HIV transmission. Approximately 45.5% of students were not aware that HIV can be prevented from being transmitted from mother to foetus via usage of appropriate ART drugs. HIV patients cannot live without symptoms for many years, according to 31% of students, and 32.7% believed that it can be cured and vaccine can prevent HIV. In response, 78.2 students said they would not call an HIV patient home or become friends with them. 87.3% of students did not know that there are voluntary testing centres where HIV testing is done free of cost and 49% believed that HIV and AIDS are the same. Assessing the knowledge and attributes of high school and junior college students regarding HIV/AIDS transmission and prevention is essential in tailoring effective educational programs and also plays a pivotal role in reducing stigma, promoting responsible behaviors and ultimately contributing to the global efforts to prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS.