Background: Acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS), caused by HIV is a serious threat to human society. There has been no effective cure for the disease and it is considered to be the leading cause of death. Insufficient knowledge and misconceptions have made tackling of AIDS a challenge. Therefore, assessing the awareness in healthy individuals and HIV infected patients makes the disease a point of prime concern. Objectives: To compare the knowledge of and attitude towards HIV/AIDS in HIV seropositive and healthy individuals. Materials and Methods: The study comprised of healthy individuals and HIV seropositive patients 250 in each group in the age range of 15-65 years from Lucknow. A self structured questionnaire was used to assess the knowledge, attitude and practice towards HIV/AIDS in both the groups after their consent. Results: Among the study group, the healthy individuals had higher knowledge, positive attitude and knew the right practices towards HIV/AIDS as compared to infected individuals. Conclusion: Peer educational programs related to healthy sexual practices and right attitudes should be developed. Government and Health educators should provide educational campaigns and media especially for HIV infected individuals.
