Knowledge, belief & attitude about HIV/AIDS among engineering and non-engineering students in Himachal Pradesh

This study was design to assess the current level of knowledge, belief and attitudes among the engineering and non-engineering students about the HIV/AIDS in Hamirpur district of Himachal Pradesh. For this purpose 900 students (300 boys and 150 girls from engineering 300 boys and 150 girls from non-engineering) were selected. The data was collected through a pre-tested close ended questionnaire. It was found that overall knowledge is much more among engineering students than non-engineering. Girl students were found to have better knowledge regarding the transmission and prevention of HIV/AIDS than the boys. It is interesting to note that misconceptions still prevails pertaining to mode of transmission and preventions in both groups. It has also been found that the students are having substantial negative attitude towards HIV/AIDS positive patients.