Phalgune D, Mutatkar RK, Deodhar NS; International Conference on AIDS.

Int Conf AIDS. 2000 Jul 9-14; 13: abstract no. TuPeD3566.

D. Phalgune, 18/27 Bharat Kunj-1, Erandawane, Pune 411038, India, Tel.: +91 20 340 197, E-mail: dphalgune@hotmail.com

Background: It is estimated that 33 million people world wide are positive for HIV, and that 67% of HIV positive cases are in the age group of 21 to 30 years The KAP regarding HIV/AIDS of the vulnerable group (21 to 30 years), will be of immense help to formulate strategies for prevention of HIV/AIDS. Methods: A pre tested questionnaire was used to collect information regarding KAP of HIV/AIDS among 932 post-graduate students of University of Pune, India between August & October 1995 In-depth interviews of the sub-sample of 52 students were conducted between January & March 1996. Results: A majority of the students knew that HIV is transmitted through heterosexual intercourse with plural partners Only 379/932-(40.7%) believed that HIV is transmitted through homosexuality. 77.4%, and 60.2% students respectively knew that HIV can be transmitted through blood transfusion and unsterile syringes/needles. It was surprising to note that 10.8% students felt that the avoidance of blood donation is necessary for prevention of AIDS, whereas 14.1% students believed that vaccine is available for the prevention of AIDS The percentage of students who were engaged in pre marital sex was higher among male International students than male Indian students. Pre marital sex was attributed to cultural differences among the students Students who engaged in pre marital sex tended to smoke cigarettes consume alcohol, and were of the opinion that AIDS cannot be prevented by avoiding pre marital sex Conclusions: In spite of studying at the University level, students' KAP regarding HIV/AIDS was unsatisfactory. They should be properly educated and motivated to avoid risk prone behaviour to prevent HIV/AIDS. Individual & group counselling may be useful to prevent high risk sexual behaviour

Publication Types:

• Meeting Abstracts

Keywords:

• Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome
• Attitude
• Coitus
• Counseling
• Educational Status
• HIV Infections
• HIV Seropositivity
• Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice
• India
• Knowledge
• Male
• Questionnaires
• Sexual Behavior
• Students
• Universities

Other ID:

• GWAIDS0002130

UI: 102239623

From Meeting Abstracts