HIV/AIDS - Related Knowledge and Attitudes Amongst Medical, Dental and Nursing Students of Saveetha University, Chennai.

Aim: This study is aimed at assessing the HIV/AIDS - related knowledge and attitudes amongst medical, dental and nursing students of Saveetha University, Chennai. With increasing number of people having HIV/AIDS, students of medicine and health allied science should have sufficient knowledge about the transmission of the disease, and their attitude should meet professional expectations. Materials and Method: A self-administered questionnaire was devised and a cross sectional study was conducted on 300 students in toto i.e. 100 medical students, 100 dental students and 100 nursing students. Data recorded was subjected to statistical analysis and appropriate conclusions were drawn. Results: A small number of students in the medical fraternity had inadequate knowledge and misconceptions about HIV and harboured negative attitude towards HIV patients. Conclusion: The findings from our study suggest that in order to instil a professional, ethical and empathetic approach towards AIDS patients, awareness and training programs are essential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]