Knowledge, attitudes, belief and practices in high school students related to AIDS in Mazandaran province, Iran

AIDS is continuesly one of the most complex health problems of the 21st century. The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge, attitudes, beliefs and preventive measures taken by high school students in Mazandaran. This was a descriptive cross-sectional study. Using a multistage area sampling method. A random sample of 4400 high school students were studied in Mazandaran in 2007-9. Students who agreed to participate were given a four-page, self–administered questionnaire. Data analyzed by K Squer test using SPSS version 16. All 4400 eligible participants completed the questionnaire. The mean age was 15.91 ± 1.04 years ranging from 15 to 18. Half of the participants were male. The findings indicated that the respondents had average to fairly good knowledge about AIDS. The correct answers ranged from 8.2% to 91.3%; Despite the presence of myths among students concerning the disease and ways of contracting it, most students possessed a positive attitude towards the disease. The results also showed that the majority of the respondents (82.1%) strongly agreed or agreed with the statement that people with AIDS should have social rights to study or work. Although high school students are a high risk group, unfortunately, no efficient preventive program is available for HIV infection and AIDS in Mazandaran.