726Examining mediation effect of comprehensive knowledge on people's attitudes towards HIV-infected people in India.

Background Improvement in people's knowledge of HIV/AIDS and reduction in stigma and discrimination have been key factors in the fight against HIV/AIDS. The objective of the present paper is to examine the mediation effect of comprehensive knowledge on people's attitudes towards HIV positives in India. Methods Data for the study have been drawn from nationally representative India's National Family Health Survey, 2015-16. Statistical methods of data analysis included odds ratio and logistic regression models. Results Two in every five men and of women with comprehensive knowledge held a positive attitude towards PLHIVs. The people in rural areas and females against their counterparts are less likely (OR: 0.85, p < 0.05) to have positive attitude. The mediation by comprehensive knowledge, contributed to 46% of direct effect from gender perspective on comprehensive positive attitude. Among males, aged group 25-44 and among females age <25 had most positive attitude towards people living with HIV (PLHIV) as compared to their counterparts. Conclusions There existed a difference between males and females in attaining comprehensive knowledge and having comprehensive positive attitude. The mediation by comprehensive knowledge contributed, though partially, direct effects from gender perspective on comprehensive positive attitude. The findings are programmatically relevant to device content analysis of the material in the information, education and communication strategies. Key messages The mediation effect of comprehensive knowledge on people's attitudes towards HIV positives has been substantial in India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]