[Knowledge, attitude and practice of Iran University of Medical Sciences students about AIDS]

Young people are the major group at risk of acquiring AIDS worldwide. It seems that proper education and having knowledge about prevention methods is the most effective way for reducing the risk of HIV infection among this group. The aim of this survey was to elucidate the degree of knowledge, attitude, and practice of Iran University of Medical Sciences students about AIDS in 2006-2007. The study population consisted of 4237 students, from which 550 students were selected randomly based on each school/faculty student population. A self-administered questionnaire, consisted of questions regarding demographic data, knowledge, attitude, and practice about AIDS, was used to collect data. Data were analyzed by SPSS software. Most students in different grades and schools/faculties had high levels of knowledge [above 60%] about AIDS and its transmission routes. Among them, medical students had the highest level of knowledge, compared with other students [P<0.05]. Most students [75.8%] indicated that they had been previously informed about AIDS through mass-media [radio, TV]. Seventy five percent of the samples had positive attitude towards preventive methods and believed that by strictly observing preventive behaviors, it is not only possible to reduce the chance of disease transmission, but also, to interact with AIDS afflicted individuals, properly. Around 84.7% of the students believed that proper sterilization of instruments is adequate for virus eradication and 55.5% of them believed that chlorine bleaching of blood contaminated surfaces is the best disinfection method. The results of this survey indicate that importance of education through mass media and other means such as university books, in reducing the risk of AIDS transmission. Education of preventive methods, both in simple and sophisticated language can do the most in elevating the general knowledge of people about AIDS and its methods of transmission