A comparative study of the awareness and attitude of HIV/AIDS among students living in India and migrants to the United States

Abstract

The goal of the current study was to collect preliminary data regarding HIV/AIDS awareness among Indian students who are residing in India and those who have migrated to the United States. A questionnaire was distributed to thirty-four college students in the United States and thirty-eight college students who are residing in India, between ages 18-26 years. 74% of the Indian group and 53% of the USA group felt that their knowledge of this disease is not adequate. 3% felt that this disease is completely curable. Only 13% of the Indian group and 23% of the USA group thought that tuberculosis is linked to HIV infection. Both groups felt that the newspapers and magazines are good sources of information. The majority of the Indian (71%) and USA (50%) groups felt that HIV/AIDS education should begin in high school. 90% of the Indian group and 79% of the USA group felt that people in India do not have adequate knowledge about AIDS. The majority felt that the high-risk population should be screened and there should be more governmental support.