A SURVEY OF KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDES, AND BELIEFS ABOUT - AIDS IN A MEDICAL-SCHOOL STUDENT POPULATION

The purpose of conducting this survey was to assess the knowledge, attitudes, beliefs and behavior of first and second year medical students regarding AIDS and transmission of the HIV virus. The survey was administered to 207 first and second year medical students in a lecture hall of an urban, midwestern medical school. The results of the surveys were analyzed utilizing parametric and non-parametric tests, one-way analysis of variance, and t-tests. The students were generally well informed regarding HIV and AIDS related issues. The responses of female and black students showed an attitude of greater tolerance and acceptance. Respondents who were married were less concerned about their susceptibility to AIDS than their non-married counterparts. The area of least agreement among the students was which sexual practices were most risky for the transmission of HIV. The survey suggested that students needed (1) more explicit classroom instruction regarding HIV/AIDS, (2) formal and informal discussion regarding tire physician's attitude toward the HIV/AIDS patient and AIDS related issues, and (3) information regarding transmission methods and personal susceptibility to HIV/AIDS.