Knowledge and attitudes of medical students to people with HIV and AIDS.

244 fourth- and fifth-year medical students of Sindh Medical College Karachi completed questionnaires during November-December 1994 designed to assess their knowledge and attitudes toward HIV/AIDS. 96.7% correctly answered survey questions on the cause of AIDS. 87.7% correctly responded on the existence of HIV transmission through blood transfusion 96.3% on transmission through sexual contact and 77% on mother-to-child transmission. 25% of respondents believed that people with AIDS should not be allowed to use common toilets and that health personnel should attend such patients only while wearing special clothing. 72.1% were aware of the HIV antibody test for diagnosis. Further 85% had correct knowledge on counseling to family members of HIV-infected individuals to avoid blood and body secretions sexual activity and condom use. 27% incorrectly believed that HIV-infected children should be removed from school and 34% did not know that HIV-infected persons remain healthy for a long period of time.