Role of information sources and socio-demographic factors on knowledge about AIDS in female adolescents.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the role of information sources and socio-demographic factors on knowledge about AIDS in female adolescents. DESIGN: Cross-sectional survey. PLACE AND DURATION OF STUDY: Three different girls colleges of Lahore. Study was conducted from September 1999 to November 1999. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The sample of 600 students was divided into various colleges according to the total strength of students in the college. The students filled a semi structured questionnaire anonymously. To assess the overall knowledge of students a scale with a range of 0-49 score was developed for 49 items inquired to assess knowledge about AIDS. On the basis of this score students were divided into satisfactory and unsatisfactory knowledge groups by using the 50th percentile as the cut off point. RESULTS: Eighty percent of those students whose mothers and 58% of those students whose fathers had postgraduate qualifications had satisfactory knowledge of AIDS as compared to those students whose parents were graduate and undergraduate (p <0.0001). Similarly, significantly higher knowledge of AIDS (p <0.0001) was observed in those students whose mothers were working as compared to those students whose mothers were housewives, as well as those whose parents' monthly income exceeded Rs 10,000. Those students who read the editorial, columns and magazine section of newspapers had satisfactory knowledge about AIDS as compared to those students who read the political and sports section of the newspapers. Access to television, satellite channels and Internet had a statistically significant effect on knowledge about AIDS (p<0.0001). Significant higher knowledge of AIDS was observed among those students who discussed AIDS with their sisters and friends (p <0.05) as compared to those students who discussed AIDS with their parents and teachers. CONCLUSION: Those students who belonged to higher socioeconomic group and had educated parents had satisfactory knowledge about AIDS. The newspaper and electronic media also have an important role in transmitting knowledge about AIDS. Family members, friends and teachers can prove to be a potential source for dissemination of information about AIDS.

Knowledge about AIDS/HIV infection among female college students.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the level of awareness about HIV/ AIDS infection among female college students of Lahore. DESIGN: Cross-sectional survey. PLACE AND DURATION OF STUDY: The study was conducted in three different girls colleges of Lahore (Pakistan). PATIENTS AND METHODS A total of 600 students were interviewed with the help of anonymous semi-structured questionnaire from September, 1999 to November 1999. RESULTS: Ninety-five percent students had heard about HIV/ AIDS and its presence in Pakistan, 61.7% students knew that HIV/AIDS is caused by germs and 91.2% knew about its transmissibility. Over 70% of students knew that HIV can be transmitted through sexual contact, infected blood transfusion, and re-use of infected injection needles. Moreover, only 19.2% mentioned ear/nose piercing with infected needles while 46.8% mentioned breast feeding as sources of transmission of HIV/AIDS. However, 57% were of the view that second hand clothing cannot spread AIDS. Individuals having multiple sexual partners (78.2%), drug addicts (38.8%), homosexuals (39.2%), commercial sex workers (52.2%) and health care workers (16.2%) were identified as high risk groups. Only 33.2% of students perceived that women are at higher risk of acquiring HIV as compared to men. Regarding prevention of AIDS, 61.0% mentioned avoiding promiscuous sex, 49.3% knew use of condoms and 60.2% were aware that AIDS can be prevented by avoiding homosexuality. Sixty-eight percent and 70.2% students respectively held the view that avoiding used needles for injections in hospitals and laboratories for screening blood or blood products can prevent AIDS, while 78.2% and 55.8% respectively knew that there is no cure or vaccine available for AIDS. Majority of the students (71.5%) have discussed AIDS with their friends while discussion with siblings, parents and teachers was not common. CONCLUSION: The general level of awareness regarding HIV/AIDS transmission and prevention was satisfactory among college girls included in the study. However, a number of misconceptions and myths like getting HIV/AIDS through nose/ear piercing, its relation to Islam, and use of second hand clothing need to be clarified.