An Assessment of the Level of Awareness, Attitudes, Opinions of Pharmacy Students Concerning HIV and AIDS in Malaysia

Abstract

Aims: HIV and AIDS spreading wide and causing serious threats and deaths among Malaysian residents. A nationwide cross-sectional survey was conducted to assess the awareness, attitudes and opinions about HIV and AIDS among pharmacy students. Methods: A total of 316 pharmacy students of year three and onwards took part in the survey. Students were asked to fill in questionnaires with consent forms. The results were analyzed by using SPSS version 17. Results: The data indicated that awareness about HIV and AIDS was moderate. High level of awareness was seen for major routes of HIV transmissions, but lower level of awareness was seen for other modes of transmission like circumcision, visiting barbers, and blood splashes on outer body surface. Only 19.3% and 13.3% of respondents were aware about HIV prevention by sex abstinence and by staying faithful to one partner respectively. The respondents had doubts in keeping HIV and AIDS patients in close vicinity to them and their family. Conclusion: According to the findings, the respondents had a few misconceptions about HIV transmission and prevention. Data from this survey may be useful to hold programs and campaigns designed to convey accurate information about HIV transmission and prevention. Talks and media campaigns should also be carried out to change their attitudes and opinions about HIV and AIDS.