A descriptive study to assess the knowledge and attitude regarding HIV/AIDS among adults in selected area of district Hoshiarpur, Punjab

India today stands at the crossroads in its battle against HIV by the immense challenges of the HIV/AIDS threat. India, with more than 1 billion residents, is considered to be one the most thickly populated countries in the world. Amongst them, about 2.4 million are presently suffering from Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). India has the highest prevalence in the world.

The aim of study is to assess the knowledge and attitude towards HIV/AIDS among adults and prepare information booklet on HIV/AIDS.

A non experimental descriptive research design. Purposive sampling technique was used to select 200 adults of age 18–59 years. The tool used had three sections: demographic variables, structured interview schedule were used to assess knowledge regarding HIV/AIDS, Likert scale to assess the attitude of adults regarding HIV/AIDS. Guidelines booklets regarding prevention of HIV/AIDS were distributed to subjects.

The findings regarding knowledge showed that majority of adults i.e. 39.5% had good knowledge towards HIV/AIDS, 22.5% adults had average knowledge towards HIV/AIDS, 18% adults had excellent knowledge towards HIV/AIDS and remaining 20% had below average knowledge towards HIV/AIDS. Regarding attitude of adults towards HIV/AIDS, it was found that maximum number of adults i.e. 75.5% had positive attitude and remaining 24.5% adults had negative attitude towards HIV/AIDS.

The study revealed that majority of adults i.e. only 39.5% had good knowledge towards HIV/AIDS and 75.5% had positive attitude towards HIV/AIDS. Thus adults were given certain guidelines to increase knowledge regarding HIV/AIDS and promote positive attitude towards HIV/AIDS.