RESUMO
The incidence of HIV infection is rising and Pakistan is considered a high-risk country. The key intervention to this threat, at present, is increased awareness of the population. This study was designed to assess awareness of medical students about HIV infection It was a cross sectional survey conducted on students of a Medical College of Rawalpindi in December 2005. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to assess awareness levels. A total of 648 students responded. Out of these 242 [37.35%] were males and 406 [62.65%] were females. A total of 595 [91.8%] students agreed that AIDS is a national threat. Six hundred and twenty five [96.4%] students were sure about HIV transmission modes. Four hundred and twenty eight [66%] students considered close contact safe, 544 [84%] knew that sharing swimming pools was not a risk and 511[78.9%] students knew that mosquitoes have no role in HIV transmission. A total of 321 [79.1%] female students were aware that condoms acted as barrier to HIV transmission compared to 217 [89.7%] males, [p < 0.05]. Cumulative awareness on AIDS was 83.9%, and observed difference between groups' overall level of awareness was not significant [p > 0.5]. Although students demonstrated a high level of knowledge concerning AIDS and HIV, considerable misconceptions were also noted. A need was felt to enhance awareness programs among students in medical colleges on AIDS