A Cross-Sectional Study of Knowledge Assessment Regarding HIV/ AIDS of Attendees of Integrated Counseling and Testing Centre at SMS Medical College, Jaipur

Introduction: In this study we focused on the knowledge about HIV/AIDS among the attendees of ICTC associated with SMS medical college, Jaipur which included multiple types of high risk behavior people and also general population which will help for measures to be taken for primary prevention of HIV infection. In this study, 177 attendees were included for knowledge assessment from April 2015 to September 2015. Aim and Objectives: To determine the knowledge of ICTC attendees about HIV/AIDS and to correlate with socio-demographic profile of attendees. Observations: All participants have heard about HIV/AIDS (100%). Television was most common source of information (77.97%). Regarding modes of transmission, 80.23% had knowledge about transmission by blood transfusion, sexual route (77.4%), contaminated surgical needles (73.45%) and from pregnant mother to newborn (71%). Use of condom, avoidance of sharing of injection needles, restricting sexual activity to a faithful partner, abstinence from any sexual intercourse and avoidance of visits to female sex workers were known preventive methods in 81.36%, 67.23%, 61.02%, 58.19% and 45.76% respondents respectively. Transmission of HIV by kissing, mosquito bite, drinking contaminated water, hugging/ shaking hands, sharing toilet and sharing meal were common myths among 33.9%, 32.2%, 31.64%, 18.64%, 15.82%, and 13.56% respondents respectively. 53.15% males, 53.73% singles, 55.21% Hindus, 58.46% OBC, 55.84% urban residents, 64.1% 20-29 year age group respondents, 59.32% respondents of joint family, 63.64% socio-economic class 1 participants , 58.82% voluntary attendees and 83.33% post graduates were having good knowledge about HIV/ AIDS. Socio-economic classification (p<0.05) and literacy (p<0.05) was found significantly associated with knowledge. Literacy was found significant independent predictor of knowledge score by stepwise multivariate regression analysis-Knowledge score = 17.4329 + 1.5452 (Literacy). Conclusion: Knowledge in general population about HIV/ AIDS is still poor and myths are prevailing yet. Literacy and socio-economic status are most efficient weapons to break this barrier and to mitigate future HIV/AIDS burden.