ADOLESCENT’S KNOWLEDGE REGARDING MYTHS AND MISCONCEPTIONS ASSOCIATED WITH HIV/AIDS

Aims/purpose: The present study was an attempt to assess need of knowledge based counseling among 13 to 17 year old adolescents. Methodology of study: The total sample for the present study included 400 adolescents i e 200 from different girl's high schools and 200 from women's colleges which are the most of HIV prevalence blocks of the Ganjam district of Odisha state. By using exploratory and the descriptive study design, the researcher attempts to describe female adolescents' knowledge and understanding regarding HIV/AIDS, A scheduled questionnaire was used covering all aspects of HIV/ AIDS and observation methods were also used to collect the data from the adolescent girls. To analysis data the researcher used frequency percentages and the t- tests were computed. Findings: The study found out that about 40% of adolescent girls have lacking with proper knowledge about the statement like sex with virgin girls and virgin boys can cure or will not cause HIV/AIDS and they also do not believe the religious prayer and leading a good life can protect from HIV infection and nearly 60% of them disagree with the statement and they also do not believe the religious prayer and leading a good life can protect from HIV infection. Conclusion and. Recommendations: The present study will help to focuses of adolescent's level of knowledge about the myths and misconceptions associated with the society, adolescents should have proper knowledge about the disease and its transmission .They also need extra guide line to increase coping skills and need for adequate support system. Right knowledge right action right time can change the life of an individual as well as the society.