Knowledge and Awareness on HIV/AIDS among College Students in A University Hospital Setting

Aim: The aim of the present survey is to assess the degree of knowledge and awareness about the basics of HIV virus, mode of transmission and oral manifestations of AIDS among undergra-duate students at an university hospital setting, Chennai. Materials and Methods: A Questionnaire based study was conducted to assess the de-gree of knowledge and awareness about the basics of HIV virus, mode of transmission and oral manifestations of AIDS among 100 undergraduate students at an university hospital setting, Chennai. All participants were provided with a pre structured questionnaire comprising of 28 questions related to Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and Acquired immune deficiency syndrome ( AIDS) and answering was completely self based. The questions were divided into 3 segments (a) basics of Human immunodeficiency virus (b) mode of transmission and (c) oral manifestations of AIDS. The possible options chosen by the participants were tabulated and the percentile for each question was calculated. Results: Among the 100 participants, 95% of the participants gave correct answers for ques-tion on the basics of Human immunodeficiency virus. 89% participants chose the correct answers under the section, mode of transmission and 71% of the participants were aware about the oral manifestation of AIDS. Conclusion: The study was to assess the knowledge of interns about HIV/AIDS. As dental surgeons are exposed to patients with and without AIDS, its is essential that they are aware of the methods of transmission of this viral disease and also are able to diagnose undiagnosed cases through oral manifestation. This would help prevent transmission of this deadly disease.