Assessment of Medical Students' Knowledge Levels on HIV/AIDS: A Single-Center Study

Year 2025, Volume: 6 Issue: 1, 1 - 7, 31.01.2025

Şerife Özlem Genç , Esra Gültürk , Gürkan Karaca

Abstract

Aim: Medical and dental students in various countries have demonstrated varying levels of knowledge and attitudes towards HIV/AIDS. Although many students are aware of HIV/AIDS, studies show significant gaps in knowledge about transmission modes and prevention techniques. This study assesses the knowledge of HIV/AIDS among medical students at a single institution in Turkey. The aim of the study is to evaluate the knowledge levels and awareness of medical students regarding HIV/AIDS.
Materials and Methods: The study included 172 students from Sivas Cumhuriyet University. A questionnaire with 26 questions, including 23 knowledge-based and 3 demographic questions, was administered via Google Forms. Statistical analysis was performed using chi-square tests to evaluate associations between class years and correct responses.
Results: The majority of students demonstrated gaps in knowledge, particularly in the modes of transmission and prevention. For instance, 61% of participants believed incorrectly that mosquitoes can transmit HIV. Only 50% correctly identified that HIV can be transmitted from mother to child. Students in the third year had higher correct response rates compared to other years.
Conclusion: Despite overall awareness of HIV/AIDS, medical students showed significant gaps in their understanding. The medical curriculum should include more extensive education on HIV/AIDS, particularly in terms of transmission, prevention, and treatment.

Keywords

HIV/AIDS, medical students, knowledge assessment, public health, medical education.

Ethical Statement

This study was conducted in accordance with the ethical standards of Sivas Cumhuriyet University. Ethical approval was obtained from the Sivas Cumhuriyet University Ethics Committee with approval number 2024/06-23. Informed consent was obtained from all participants, and participation in the survey was voluntary and anonymous.

Supporting Institution

None

Thanks

We would like to express our gratitude to all the students who participated in the study. Additionally, we thank the administration of Sivas Cumhuriyet University for their support in facilitating the distribution of the questionnaire. Special thanks to the Ethics Committee for their guidance throughout the research process.

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