Perceptions of people living with HIV/AIDS.

ABSTRACT

Background: HIV/AIDS being a behavioral disease, appropriate knowledge is important for those who are infected. Objectives: To elicit and compare knowledge and attitude about HIV/AIDS among newly diagnosed and previously diagnosed HIV/AIDS patients attending or admitted in Calcutta School of Tropical Medicine, (CSTM), Kolkata. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was undertaken among previously diagnosed HIV/AIDS Patients admitted in indoor wards and newly diagnosed HIV/AIDS patients attending Integrated Counseling and Testing Centre (ICTC) of the School of Tropical Medicine, Kolkata. Data were gathered by interviewing patients using a predesigned, pretested, semi-structured questionnaire. Results: More in-patients had heard about AIDS than ICTC patients. Television was the most popular source of information in both groups, followed by health personnel and friends. Correct knowledge about transmission, symptoms, prevention of AIDS, and lifestyles desirable for affected patients was significantly higher among in-patients who had already been counseled, than the newly diagnosed ICTC patients yet to receive. Within each group of patients, the knowledge score was significantly higher among females, Christians, urban residents, patients educated beyond middle school, and non- migrants. In-patients had a significantly higher attitudinal score toward HIV/AIDS. Conclusion: Repeated counseling is required to keep up high level of knowledge and positive attitude pertaining to HIV/AIDS to reduce risk behavior, prevent disease transmission, and improve quality of life.