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International Journal of Recent Trends in Science and Technology, ISSN 2277-2812 E-ISSN: 2249-8109

Volume 10, Issue 3, April 2014 pp 409-411

Research Article

Knowledge and Attitude of School Going Adolescent Girls towards HIV and STDs

 

Chinte L. T.*, V. V. Kendre*, Godale L. B.**

*Assistant Professor, Department of Preventive and Social Medicine, Government Medical College, Latur, Maharashtra, INDIA.

**Professor and Head, Department of Preventive and Social Medicine, Government medical College, Aurangabad, Maharashtra, INDIA.


Academic Editor : Dr. Aher K.R.

Abstract

 

Background: Adolescent constitutes over 23% of the population in India. This period is very crucial since these are the formative years in the life of an individual. This is also an impressionable period of life and also the period of preparation for undertaking greater responsibilities including healthy responsible parenthood. Objective: To assess knowledge and attitude towards HIV and STDs among school going adolescent girls. Material and methods: present study was a cross-sectional observational study carried out during 2010-2011. Simple random sampling was done and sample size calculated by formula 4pq/L2. Calculated sample size was approximately 700. One urban and one rural school were selected randomly. 350 girls each from rural and urban school were selected. Pre-structured and pre-tested proforma incorporating relevant information was used to collect the data. Statistical analysis was done by using appropriate statistical test. Results: 34.28% girls have knowledge about HIV and STDs. 26.57% have knowledge about routes of transmission. Awareness about HIV and STDs prevention was present in 10.85% girls. When premarital testing of blood for prevention of HIV was asked more than half (55.42%) did not reply the question while 21.71% replied that premarital testing of HIV should be done. Favorable attitude towards sex education was present in 25.14% girls while 47.72% think that 13-15 yrs is right age for sex education. Conclusion: Adolescent girl need extensive and supportive education programme to improve their awareness and thus reproductive health status.