Knowledge and attitude about HIV/AIDS among pregnant women of urban population of South India

Abstract

Background: Acquired Immunodeficiency Disease Syndrome (AIDS) has evolved into a pandemic affecting millions of people worldwide. The global HIV/AIDS epidemic has had a major detrimental impact on maternal and child health throughout the world. More than 95% of 3.2 million infants and young children have acquired the HIV infection by vertical transmission which accounts for vast majority of the infection among the children. Thus, the present study was carried out to assess the extent of awareness and attitude among pregnant women towards HIV/AIDS. Methods: A cross-sectional study interviewing pregnant women using pre- designed and pre-tested proforma to assess awareness and attitude towards HIV/AIDS was carried out. Descriptive statistics was applied to assess knowledge as well as attitude and the association between two attributes was calculated by Z proportionate test. Results and Conclusion: A total of 271 pregnant women were interviewed. Out of which 43.91% were in 20-24 years age group. 56.46% were housewives and belonged to middle class families. Though the knowledge regarding HIV/AIDS, especially about modes of transmission, symptoms and laboratory diagnosis was found satisfactory but was accompanied by misconceptions. More than 70% were aware about its prevention using condoms and by avoiding multiple sexual partners, however, majority of them lacked the knowledge of risks associated with breastfeeding by HIV positive mothers. Thus, impetus has to be laid upon counseling regarding HIV/AIDS during antenatal period and enlightenment of the women about Integrated Counselling Testing Centres (ICTC) available at the hospitals, so as to heighten the knowledge of facilities for a safer and better pregnancy outcome.