Research Article
DOI:
xxx-xxxx-xxx
Subject:
Medical
KeyWords:
HIV, AIDS, awareness, gender, sex education
Abstract:
| Background: Acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) is a pandemic disease caused by HIV (Human immunodeficiency virus) for which there is no proven cure. Poverty, illiteracy, and ignorance, leads to lack of correct knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) towards the disease. Awareness is the key to prevention; so in the current scenario, assessment of the awareness levels among both genders in HIV-infected and healthy individuals are essential.Objectives: To compare the knowledge of and attitude towards HIV/AIDS amongst HIV-infected and healthy individuals of both genders.Materials and Methods: The present study comprised of 500 individuals in the 15-65 year age group belonging to Lucknow. Random sampling was done for 250 healthy individuals (134 females |
and 116 males), and the remaining 250 HIV seropositives (115 females and 135 males) were taken from ART (Antiretroviral therapy) centre. After written consent, a self-structured questionnaire was distributed to assess the KAP response.
Results: In both groups, males were more aware, had more acceptance and positive attitude towards people living with HIV/AIDS than females.
Conclusion: Comprehensive awareness which can lead to attitudinal and behavioral changes in the society towards safe sexual practices should be encouraged to fight against HIV/AIDS. It would possibly be more effective to provide separate educational packages about HIV/AIDS for men and women; with a special focus on women.
