HIV/AIDS related knowledge, risk perception, attitude and sexual behavior of working women staying in hostels.

ABSTRACT

HIV infection poses a formidable threat to women's health. Already, in India, women account for 21.3% of all AIDS cases. In metropolitan cities women living alone in hostels and having independent income, may have a liberal life style and chances of practising high risk sexual behaviour is greater. This study was conducted to assess the risks and risk perception of such women. Among eighty-nine hostel residents, AIDS awareness was 92.1%. Very few respondents had adequate knowledge about modes of transmission and methods of prevention. Risk perception was poor, however high risk behaviour was less commonly practised by this group.