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- Title
Assessment of the Level of Knowledge and Attitudes About AIDS Among Medical Faculty Students in Bezmialem Vakıf University.
- Authors
AYHAN, Güner; AKÇAKAYA ÖZER, Fatma Betül; ÖZYILDIRIM, Bedia
- Abstract
Introduction: Since 1981, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) has affected 80 million people worldwide, resulting in over 35 million deaths and emerging as a critical public health concern. This study aims to assess the knowledge and attitudes of Bezmialem Vakıf University Faculty of Medicine students (1st-6th graders) concerning acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), along with identifying associated factors. Method: A cross-sectional research design was employed, involving students who provided informed consent. Participants completed a 16-item demographic questionnaire, followed by a 21-item AIDS knowledge scale and a 17-item AIDS attitude scale. Results: Analysis of AIDS knowledge scale scores based on HIV/AIDS testing status revealed significantly higher scores among those tested (p=0.005). Preclinical and clinical students exhibited a significant difference in knowledge levels (p<0.001) with clinical students showing higher knowledge. Students in clinical training also demonstrated significantly higher attitude scores (p=0.039). Those receiving sexual health education had notably higher knowledge scores (p=0.003). Age exhibited a significant positive relationship with AIDS knowledge scale scores (r=0.338; p<0.001) while the relationship between age and AIDS attitude scale scores was positive but low-level (r=0.189; p=0.038). The age of first sexual intercourse displayed a significant positive moderate-level relationship with AIDS attitude scale scores (r=0.334; p=0.014). Conclusion: According to the data we obtained, medical education has proven to be beneficial in increasing awareness about AIDS, and post-clinical students have demonstrated a higher level of knowledge on the subject. However, along with the increase in knowledge, there has been a shift toward a negative attitude. This could pose a significant public health issue in the future, as the students surveyed will become healthcare professionals who will directly deal with such diseases. In medical education, efforts should be made not only to enhance knowledge but also to provide training that positively influences students' attitudes.
- Subjects
AIDS; STUDENT attitudes; HIV; SEX education; MEDICAL personnel; INTERPROFESSIONAL education
- Publication
Bezmialem Science, 2024, Vol 13, pS72
- ISSN
2148-2373
- Publication type
Abstract