DOI: 10.36347/sajb.2021.v09i09.002

Pages: 232-237

Introduction: Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS), caused by the Human Immune Deficiency Virus (HIV), is the most devastating epidemic of today. The aim of the study was to assess the knowledge and attitude regarding HIV and AIDS among the PC/RMPs in Hobigan. Material & Methods: This cross sectional descriptive study was conducted in the Polly Chikitsok / Rural Medical Practitioners in Hobiganj, Narayanganj, Rangpur, Kurigram District of Bangladesh during January 2014 to April 2014. One Hundred Eighty (180) Polly chikitsok / Rural Medical Practitioners were interviewed with a semi-structured questionnaire. Purposive sampling technique was used. Statistical analysis of the results was done by using computer with tabulation plan. The ethical committee of the Department of Public Health, daffodil International University of Bangladesh, approved the thesis. Results: Out of 180 participants, among them 176 were males and 4 were females. 17.8 percent of the respondents were of 21-30 years of age, 37 percent respondents were 31-40 years old. 27.8 percent of the study participants were in their 41-50, the 11.7 were 51-60 years old and least number of respondents (5) belong to the age group of 61-70 years. More than three Fourth of the participants had completed at least a secondary education. Most of the respondents were Muslims (86.7 percent); only 13.3 percent respondents were Hindus. Compared to television, newspapers had higher consumption level. 99.4% respondents reported having ever heard about the name of HIV/AIDS. Although more than 61.1 percent of the respondents were willing to employ or work with PLHIV, more than half percent were not willing to share food or drink with them. Conclusion: Despite limitations, the data are consistent with other studies evaluating knowledge and attitudes of PC/RMPs toward HIV/AIDS patients.