1Department of Microbiology, Sri Muthukumaran Medical College and Research Institute, Mangadu, Chennai.
2Department Of Microbiology, Meenakshi Medical College and Research Institute, Enathur, Kanchipuram.
As India has the third largest human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infected population, after Nigeria & South Africa it is mandatory for the medical students to gather enough information about HIV; So that the emerging medical practioners of India will serve the future purpose.
The purpose of this study was to obtain data regarding awareness and knowledge of HIV transmission, diagnosis, treatment and prevention among first year students to residents in a medical college in India.
Cross sectional study.
A survey was conducted in March 2009 with 33 questions of a group of medical students between the ages of 17–25 years (mean age 21years). Questionnaires were distributed to 450 students of which 421 students responded (response rate 93.55%). Statistical analysis used: Chi-square test.
Of the 421 participants, 209(49.63%) participants responded incorrectly about the mother to foetus transmission and almost 16% students did not know about the female condoms for avoiding sexual transmission. Almost half of the students have a misconception that donor can also get HIV while transfusion. In general most of the students have a good idea about the HIV transmission and the sources available for testing and treatment.
There are some misconceptions and lack of knowledge among Indian medical students regarding the transmission of this virus through sexual intercourse, tattoos, blood transfusion and from mother to foetus. More education to the medical students pertaining to HIV infection is needed in India.
Awareness, Cross-sectional study, Human immunodeficiency virus, Knowledge, Medical students
