Women and AIDS Awareness and Attitudes in a peri-urban setting in Punjab.
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Date
2011-03
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Abstract
Women account for 39.3% of HIV/AIDS infection in India. There are
many biological and socio-cultural factors which make her highly
vulnerable to HIV infection. Knowledge regarding HIV/AIDS can help
her in protecting herself from the disease. This study was conducted to
the level of awareness of young females with respect to knowledge of the
HIV/AIDS, its modes of transmission, methods to prevent it, availability
of testing and treatment and attitudes in relation to HIV/AIDS. A cross
sectional study was done in a peri-urban setting in Patiala, Punjab
among 1044 females in the age group 15-24 yrs using a self designed semistructured
questionnaire. 93.9%had heard about AIDS. Television was
the most common source of information (79.7%). Knowledge about the
different modes of transmission was high (68-78%), but knowledge
about preventive methods especially condom use was low (34-54%).
Increase in educational status was seen to significantly increase the
knowledge of the modes of transmission and preventive methods
(p<.001). Knowledge of symptoms of HIV was low. (2-15%). Only 28.5%
knew about the availability of HIV testing facility. 33.8% knew about
treatment available for HIV. The study subjects were having favorable
attitude towards people living with HIV/AIDS. There is a need to focus
the education programs and the mass media towards preventive methods
rather than just the knowledge of the modes of transmission. Greater
emphasis needs to be placed on making people aware about the existence
of HIV testing facility and availability of treatment.
Description
Keywords
AIDS, Young women, Knowledge, Attitude
Citation
Bhardwaj Anu, Gupta Bhuvnesh, Ahluwalia S K, Pathak Rambha, Mittal Anshu, Singh Mukhmohit. Women and AIDS Awareness and Attitudes in a peri-urban setting in Punjab. Journal of Communicable Diseases. 2011 Mar; 43(1): 61-68.