HIV/AIDS stigma and knowledge among predominantly middle-class high school students in new Delhi, India
Pramanik, S.; Chartier, M.; Koopman, C.
Journal of Communicable Diseases 38(1): 57-69
2006
ISSN/ISBN: 0019-5138 PMID: 17370690 Document Number: 596287
This study examined stigmatizing attitudes toward HIV/AIDS among predominantly middle-class adolescents in New Delhi high schools. This study was specifically designed to: 1) assess stigmatizing attitudes toward HIV/AIDS and sexuality; HIV/AIDS knowledge, and awareness of HIV-related health resources; and 2) examine whether HIV-related stigma and knowledge are related to one another and to gender, parents' education, and exposure to HIV/AIDS education. In four high schools in New Delhi, 186 students completed a questionnaire assessing stigmatization of HIV/AIDS, stigmatization of sexuality, knowledge of HIV/AIDS, HIV/AIDS education and resources, and demographic characteristics. Adolescents varied in how much they stigmatized persons with HIV/AIDS. They generally lacked accurate knowledge about the disease and of related health resources. However, those with greater exposure to HIV/AIDS education demonstrated significantly greater HIV/AIDS knowledge. Female adolescents demonstrated significantly less knowledge about HIV/AIDS compared with male adolescents, while the males reported significantly greater exposure to HIV/AIDS education compared with the females. These results suggest a need for greater HIV/AIDS education and awareness of health resources, especially among female adolescents. Education must directly address stigmatizing attitudes about HIV/AIDS, gaps in HIV/AIDS knowledge and awareness of HIV-related health resources.