A study of HIV/AIDS related knowledge and attitudes amongst the engineering college students

Background

The present study designs to find out the knowledge and attitudes of the students of engineering colleges. The information obtained in this study will be used to demonstrate the need for development and integration of an HIV IEC training module.

Methods

One hundred seventy four randomly selected students studying in the various engineering colleges, studying in Uttar Pradesh were surveyed to assess their knowledge on HIV/AIDS. Pre tested, pre designed and preformed questionnaire was used to collect data.

Results

Response rate of 87% was obtained (174 out of 200). Overall, females showed less knowledge pertaining to issues related to human sexuality and HIV transmission, As compared to their male peers. Anal intercourse was observed as a risk for HIV transmission by 3% of females as compared to 20% of males. In general, there were considerable misconceptions regarding the spread and risk of HIV transmission among all engineering students. Attitudes of most of the students toward HIV-infected individuals could be best described as ambivalent. Interesting to note that female students showed more positive attitude towards HIV infected people than their male peers. Findings suggest the need of integrating IEC activities and BCC activities promotion in the community starting from the initial stages mainly concentrating on teenagers and youngsters.

Discussion

IEC materials and media have the potential to facilitate the development of positive behaviors and attitudes among engineering students as they relate to HIV. Studies over the past decade among health professionals in India identify the gaps in their knowledge concerning risks and transmission of HIV.