Perceptions and Realities: Knowledge of HIV/AIDS and Attitudes Toward PLHIV Among College Students

Abstract

Despite numerous awareness campaigns focusing on knowledge and attitudes to curb Human Immunodeficiency Virus/Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (HIV/AIDS), the disease remains a critical public health issue in India. Ensuring the availability and accessibility of essential services is vital for effectively addressing and ultimately ending the HIV/AIDS pandemic. Achieving this goal requires that society possess adequate knowledge about HIV/AIDS and foster supportive attitudes toward individuals living with the condition. This study utilized a cross-sectional survey to evaluate the knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors (KAB) related to HIV/AIDS among college students. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire distributed on Google Forms. All the participants (100%) knew about heterosexual transmission. However, awareness of breastfeeding (62.71%) and homosexual transmission (59.32%) as routes of transmission of HIV was lower. Attitude towards PLHIV was quite good, with 84.75% rejecting stigma, but perceived discrimination (35.59%–62.71%) and support for equal treatment in society (52.54%–61.02%) were moderate. Although the general level of knowledge of students about HIV/AIDS was good but they had some misconceptions about it. This study highlights the need for targeted, inclusive HIV education that addresses under-recognized transmission routes and promotes stigma reduction, especially in rural areas and among male students.