RESUMO
A health survey about AIDS awareness in Pakistan was conducted during 1998-99 as a joint venture of International Collaboration Medical Team of Japanese National Institute of Public Health, Nagoya University, School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan and Awan Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan. It is important to be aware of the attitude and behavior related to AIDS infection, because the number of people infected by it has been increasing rapidly in many countries of Asia. The information collected in this survey can serve as a guide for health policy in Pakistan. A randomized survey comprising 5110 [2400 male and 2710 female] Pakistani nationals of different age groups were tested in this study. The marital status and educational background were also recorded. A questionnaire was distributed to the subject individuals, which was based upon the information about the modes of AIDS spread. The mass survey for its awareness in general public has successfully been conducted for the first time in Pakistan. The survey revealed several striking facts and figures that will help build up our future strategy to combat the challenge of this deadly disease. With reference to this survey, about 12% of the total population was completely in dark about AIDS [including 9.7% illiterate]. It is recommended that the people at large should be fully made aware of AIDS. The most effective medium for such an education oriented programme [as revealed by this survey] is television. The authorities should allocate sufficient time on television for programmes like drama, group discussions, interviews by the AIDS victims and open question-answer sessions