Abstract

To assess AIDS awareness among the educated community of Lahore and Gujranwala, Pakistan

Author(s): Junaid Karamat Cheema, Abdul Salam, Aqil Khan, Muhammad Zeeshan Zafar

Objective: To assess AIDS awareness among the educated community of Lahore and Gujranwala, Pakistan. Design: Cross-sectional qualitative study. Methods: A questionnaire was designed with the study objectives and distributed to the educated community of Lahore and Gujranwala, gathering the information including, demographic details (name, age, sex, and level of education), HIV-related knowledge (modes of transmission, prevention, and treatment), attitudes and risk perception. The reason for selecting the educated community was that they are the pioneer to educate and council illiterate communities. The results were recorded and data were analyzed. Results: 68.78% respondents have knowledge about the basics of AIDS, including, causative agent, and origin, behavior of society towards AIDS patients and incubation period of HIV/AIDS. 69.2% respondents have correct knowledge about modes of transmission of HIV/AIDS. 78.75% respondents are aware of prevention and treatment. 81% respondents think that media is playing some role in awareness about AIDS. Conclusion: Although respondents demonstrated a high level of knowledge concerning AIDS and HIV, considerable misconceptions were also noted. A need was felt to enhance awareness programs among educated community members of two different cities. There is an intense need for a mass media campaign against AIDS.