Abstract

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 high risk group and general population leading to morbidity and mortality. Aims &
Objective: To assess the perceptions and attitude among reproductive age group of urban slum population towards HIV/AIDS.
Materials and Methods: This was a Community Based Cross Sectional Study carried out in the urban slums, field practice area of Community Medicine attached to a tertiary care hospital. The study was conducted by interviewing general population in the reproductive age group for four months in the urban slums using pre-designed and pre-tested proforma.
Results: A total of 188 were interviewed. Out of which 48.94% were more than 35 years of age. 51.59% were housewives and belonged to middle class families. 80.85% were aware about sexual transmission and 67.18% opined that it can be prevented by using condoms. Literates were more aware about HIV/AIDS, when compared to illiterates, which was statistically significant (p<0.05). However, majority of them lacked the knowledge of risks associated with breastfeeding by HIV positive mothers. Conclusion: Thus, impetus has to be laid upon awareness and counselling regarding HIV/AIDS at all levels of health care. Integrated Counselling Testing Centres (ICTC) should be made available at all the hospitals, so as to heighten the knowledge of facilities available at a negligible cost, to lead safer and better life.