AIDS: knowledge and attitudes of university students in Nagpur
Deshmukh, J.S.; Wadhva, S.K.; Zodpey, S.P.
Indian Journal of Medical Sciences 52(7): 302-308
1998
ISSN/ISBN: 0019-5359 PMID: 9847474 Document Number: 497352
Findings are presented from a study conducted to assess how much university students in Nagpur city, India, know about HIV/AIDS. 345 students from the Arts and Commerce faculties and 275 students from the Science faculties of 2 colleges in the city each responded to 50 questions on a self-administered questionnaire on different aspects of AIDS. No prior information was given to the respondents regarding the test. The survey sample was comprised of 394 men and 226 women aged 18-23 years, of mean age 20.64. Science students were significantly more knowledgeable of AIDS-related issues and, in general, had fairly positive attitudes toward people with AIDS compared to the Arts and Commerce students. 94.9% of Science students and 86.7% of Arts and Commerce students expressed their desire to learn more about AIDS. Most students from both faculties believe that the government should play an important role in fighting HIV/AIDS in India.