A cross sectional study to assess the knowledge, attitude and perception of HIV/AIDS among married women in rural area

Pages: 619-621
Sunil Kumar S. Biradar (Department of Forensic Medicine, Karnataka Institute of Medical Sciences Hubballi, Karnataka)
Smitha, M. (Department of Anatomy, Karnataka Institute of Medical Sciences Hubballi, Karnataka)
Mallikarjun Biradar (Department of Community Medicine, Mandya Institute of Medical Sciences Mandya, Karnataka)

Stigma and discrimination, particularly in access to healthcare, remains a major problem for people infected with HIV in most part of India. Pregnant women are much receptive on health matters. 1) To assess their knowledge, attitude and perception regarding HIV/AIDS 2) To know the association between socio-demographic factors with knowledge, attitude and practice of married women about HIV/AIDS. The present community based cross sectional study was conducted in rural health training centre, Ukkali, under the Department of Community Medicine, BLDE University’s Shri B.M.Patil Medical College Vijayapura. A total of 1182 Married Women, aged between 15 45 years were interviewed. Pretested, pre designed questionnaire was administered to them. Data was compiled, tabulated and analyzed using Percentages. Chi square test was used to find association. Among the study population 81.3% heard about HIV/AIDS. 30.2% of the study participant were in the age group of 21-25 years. 29.3% participants were illiterate and Among literate participants (70.7%), majorities (47.1%) were studied up to secondary school, Majority of the pregnant women 40% belonged to Class IV. Statistically significant association was observed between the age of married women, parity and literacy status of pregnant women with HIV/AIDS. There is a need for more information directly and indirectly through consistent awareness program among married women residing in rural areas. Since awareness is the only key to the prevention of HIV/AIDS, there is an urgent need to increase the awareness about HIV/ AIDS, especially among the low socio economic, illiterate people of the community using all methods of mass media and intensive information, education and communication (IEC) activities by use of local folk media.