Knowledge and attitudes of students in a caribbean medical school towards hiv/aids

Abstract

Human Immunodeficiency Virus / Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome
(HIV/AIDS) is seen as one of the most devastating infection/disease known to have attacked the human population. This study is aimed at assessing the level of knowledge, attitudes and misconceptions of the medical students in a Caribbean Medical School towards HIV/AIDS. Semi-structured questionnaires were used to collate information. Out of 150 questionnaires distributed, 130 were filled, showing a response rate of 87% .The ages of the respondents ranged from 19-45 years with mean age of 26. Our finding shows that the knowledge of HIV/AIDS is high: 97.7%. HIV/AIDS associated beliefs: 22.3% sees the disease as a punishment for unfaithfulness or immorality. A negative attitude towards condom use was seen in 3.8% of the respondents. Risky behaviours were identified but the prevalence of such behaviours is low. Religion was identified to play an important role in the conception and misconception about condom usage and possibly transmission of the virus. Behaviour modification programmes is recommended to correct misconceptions among medical students. (Afr. J. Biomed. Res. 11: 137 - 143)

Key Words; HIV/AIDS, Knowledge, Attitudes, Students, Caribbean, Medical School, Saint Lucia.