Is there any perceptiveness about the mode of transmission of human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immune deficiency syndrome? An analysis among the adolescent tribal students in Tamil Nadu

Abstract

Background: Cognizance about human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) among the community is still lacking. Seldom studies done in tribal area and to indentify the awareness about HIV/AIDS among the adolescent tribal students in Jawadhu hills of Tamil Nadu, with the objectives includes on social, demographical, and knowledge about HIV/AIDS were taken. For primary data, survey method and secondary data from various literatures gathered.

Materials and methods: Schedule tribe adolescent students, between the age groups of 13-21 years, from 8^th to 12^th standard, exclusively from Vellore and Tiruvannamalai educational districts, were taken, by applying STRATA method.

Results: A total of 938 students from various tribal schools participated. Amongst them, 507 (54%) were males and 431 (46%) were females. Half of the respondents (50%) agreed that blood transfusion, intravenous drug use, and sharing infected needles are the major modes of transmission. Nearly 35% agreed that HIV/AIDS is transmitted by hugging, tattooing, dirty hands, breastfeeding, kissing on cheeks, shaving at the barber shop, shaking hands with AIDS patients, homosexuality and are food and waterborne.

Conclusions: Formal HIV/AIDS education should be mandatory in their curriculum, where teachers get an opportunity to deliver the scientific information about HIV/AIDS. To acquire better knowledge about HIV/AIDS, sex education should be included in the mainstream of curriculum with the assistance of educational consultants, professional social workers, and also local non-governmental organizations to conduct further mindfulness camps about the HIV/AIDS.

Keywords: Acquired immune deficiency syndrome; Jawadhu hills; adolescent tribal students; human immunodeficiency virus; mode of transmission.