Knowledge and Attitudes of Students in a Caribbean Medical School towards HIV/AIDS

Abstract

Human Immunodeficiency Virus / Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome 
(HIV/AIDS) is seen as one of the most devastating infection/disease known to 
have attacked the human population. This study is aimed at assessing the level 
of knowledge, attitudes and misconceptions of the medical students in a 
Caribbean Medical School towards HIV/AIDS. Semi-structured 
questionnaires were used to collate information. Out of 150 questionnaires 
distributed, 130 were filled, showing a response rate of 87% .The ages of the 
respondents ranged from 19-45 years with mean age of 26. Our finding shows 
that the knowledge of HIV/AIDS is high: 97.7%. HIV/AIDS associated 
beliefs: 22.3% sees the disease as a punishment for unfaithfulness or 
immorality. A negative attitude towards condom use was seen in 3.8% of the 
respondents. Risky behaviours were identified but the prevalence of such 
behaviours is low. Religion was identified to play an important role in the 
conception and misconception about condom usage and possibly transmission 
of the virus. Behaviour modification programmes is recommended to correct 
misconceptions among medical students.