|
|
LETTER TO EDITOR |
|
|
|
| Year : 2007 | Volume
: 28
| Issue : 2 | Page : 115 |
| |
Awareness status of HIV/AIDS amongst the workers from organized sector
Rashmi Sharma, S Mukherjee
Community Medicine Department, Kesar SAL Medical College, Ahemadabad, India
Correspondence Address:
Rashmi Sharma
1, Shrestha Bungalows, Motera Stadium Road, Near Shyam Kunj III, Motera, Ahemadabad - 382 424
India
 Source of Support: None, Conflict of Interest: None  | Check |
DOI: 10.4103/0253-7184.39023
How to cite this article:
Sharma R, Mukherjee S. Awareness status of HIV/AIDS amongst the workers from organized sector. Indian J Sex Transm Dis 2007;28:115 |
How to cite this URL:
Sharma R, Mukherjee S. Awareness status of HIV/AIDS amongst the workers from organized sector. Indian J Sex Transm Dis [serial online] 2007 [cited 2023 Dec 1];28:115. Available from: https://ijstd.org/text.asp?2007/28/2/115/39023 |
Sir,
Present study was done to assess the knowledge and awareness about HIV/AIDS and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) among the adolescents, and young adult population of an industrial unit (dealing with metal and alloys) in Ahmedabad. In March 2006, faculty members of Kesar SAL Medical College and Research Institute, Ahmedabad organized a health camp for labor population of this unit. Out of 283 people registered in the camp, those aged between 15 and 24 years were included. Informed consent was taken from participants which reduced the sample size ( N = 86). A fear in the mind that they will be tested for HIV also contributed to the reduced sample size. Many of them were migrants. Study population was predominantly males (76.6%) and one-third of them were illiterate. Most of them were drivers (40%) and laborers (46%). Common addictions were tobacco chewing with or without lime (23.9%), Gutka (pouched tobacco preparation chewed orally) (21.7%), smoking (15.2%), and alcohol (6.5%). Musculoskeletal disorders, fever, acute respiratory infection (ARI), dental, and ENT problems were main health complaints, which brought them to the camp.
Mean age at marriage was 20 ± 4.5 years. Only 34 (39.1%) of them were staying with spouse. Subjects living singly were less aware (85.7%) about HIV/AIDS. Almost half (43.5%) had never heard the term of HIV/AIDS, therefore they were unaware of any mode of transmission. Awareness was significantly less (χ2 =11.54, df = 1, P < .05) among the illiterates. Some (28.9%) of them had never heard of Nirodh (condom) and only 12% had seen and used condoms. One-fourth of them felt that the condoms are used for birth control and spacing, and were unaware of its role in prevention of HIV/AIDS or STD. The main reason for not using condoms was the use of other contraceptive method by spouse. Only 12% replied that Nirodh is also used to prevent HIV/AIDS and STD. The majority of beneficiaries of NGO services elsewhere thought that condom use could prevent STDs. [1] Many were of the view that HIV/AIDS could be caused by frequent outside eating or poor personal hygiene, 40% subjects felt unsafe sex as most common mode of HIV/AIDS transmission, and only 2.2% felt that it is also transmitted by using common syringes and from mother to child. More than two-third subjects had never heard of STDs. Only one could reply correctly about etiology of HIV-AIDS, while others opined that it was a result of malaria, TB, boils, etc. Another study from Gujarat with similar population profile [2] though done some time back also validates our findings. Our study identifies a segment of population which is at risk, but lacks the knowledge and attitude to tackle this menace. Mere suspicion that they could be tested for HIV (though unfounded) reduced the sample size in our study. Ignorance and social stigma shrouding the infection are the contributory factors which can be ameliorated through well-designed information, education, and communication (IEC) activities guided by the result of locally performed community-based knowledge, attitude and practices studies. [3]
Small sample and its selection through "camp attendee only" are the limitations of this study.
 References | |  |
| 1. | Paul D, Gopalakrishanan S. Impact of training on knowledge regarding modes of transmission and prevention of sexually transmitted infections including HIV/AIDS of functionaries of non-governmental Organizations. Indian J Community Med 2003;28:163.  |
| 2. | Bansal RK. Truck drivers and risk of STDs including HIV. Indian J Community Med 1995;20:29. |
| 3. | Muzaffarti A, Baser G. Awareness of HIV/AIDS in a remotely located conservative district of J and K (Kargil): Results of a community based study. Indian J Community Med 2002;27:12. |
|
