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ANALYSIS OF KNOWLEDGE AND ATTITUDE OF MEDICAL STUDENTS TOWARDS HIV/AIDS PATIENTS IN PAKISTAN

Dr Abdullah khan, Dr Ahmed Hussain, Dr Wazir Zeeshan Haider

Introduction: In this contemporary era, Human Immunodeficiency (HIV) and the Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) is a most significant public health challenge. Objectives of the study: The main objective of the study is to analyze the knowledge and attitude of dental students towards HIV/AIDS patients in Pakistan. Material and methods: This survey analysis was conducted in Bahawal Victoria hospital, Bahawalpur during November 2018 to April 2019. The data was collected through a questionnaire. The study included a convenience sample comprising dental students of all basic and clinical year. All the questions were anonymous, participant’s voluntary took part in the study, and consent was taken from them and no incentive was given for completing the survey. The questionnaire was made up of four parts. The answer to each question about attitude was rated on a five-point Likert scale (strongly agree, agree, neutral, disagree, and strongly disagree). Results: Out of 200 students who were sent the survey, a total of one ninety-three completed the survey. Therefore, the respond rate was 96.5%. These participants were from first, second, third, final professional year and house officers. On question 1 (HIV is same as AIDS), majority of students have inadequate knowledge and were not aware of the fact that HIV is same as AIDS. Regarding question 2 (saliva act as a vehicle of transmission), students from all the professional years and house officers have enough knowledge that saliva can act as vehicle of transmission.

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