DOI: 10.36347/sjams.2018.v06i10.015

Pages: 3739-3747

Despite the high prevalence of HIV, it has been reported that many adolescents do not know the modes of transmission of this disease. The present study was undertaken to assess the extent of knowledge, beliefs and attitudes among adolescent students regarding HIV/AIDS. This cross sectional study conducted for a period of 13 months included 500 adolescent students studying in various schools and colleges in Hyderabad. They were asked to fill a prestructured, pretested questionnaire which included multiple choice questions. RESULTS: Regarding general aspect 90% of students heard of HIV\AIDS, Regarding knowledge about various modes of transmission 83% students answered correctly about transmission through unsafe sex with multiple partners, 61% of students have awareness about high risk group for HIV\AIDS and 43% of males and 47% of females have knowledge about non high risk population. Electronic media was the main source of awareness in 82% of students. 64% students have knowledge about preventive methods of HIV\AIDS. There is no difference in the attitude and beliefs towards HIV patients among male and female students. A considerable percentage of adolescents have correct knowledge about HIV\AIDS; yet they lacked in depth knowledge about the disease which emphasizes the need of adolescent education programmes in the country.