A Study to Assess the Effectiveness of Planned Teaching Programme of HIV/AIDS on Knowledge among First Year Students of Selected College in Shrirampur

Abstract

Introduction: The HIV/AIDS is best viewed as a major epidemic which poses serious challenges to
mankind on a global scale. The aim of this study was to assess the HIV/AIDS-related knowledge among

B.Ed. students in Shrirampur and investigate the association between college students’ socio-
demographic characteristics and their level of knowledge about HIV/AIDS. Methods: Following

random sampling technique, a total of 50 students aged 20–40 years were sampled from college and
interviewed through planned questionnaire. Data analysis was done. Results: The findings of the study
revealed that more than half (78%) of the students were above 22–30 years of age. This study also found
that around three-fourths of the students (64%) watched television. With regard to knowledge, this study
demonstrated that around two-fifths of the students (80%) had very good knowledge about HIV/AIDS
and their main sources of HIV/AIDS information were television, newspaper and radio. The results of
the study indicated that students’ age, gender, type of college, household income, fathers’ and mothers’
literacy, and watching television were significantly associated with level of knowledge about HIV/AIDS.
In addition, students’ age, and watching television were found as the significant predictors of
knowledge about HIV/AIDS. Watching television was documented as the best single predictor.
Conclusion: The results of the study strengthen the assumption that there is an influence of students’
socio-demographic characteristics upon their knowledge about HIV/ AIDS. Moreover, this study
suggests that more information on HIV/AIDS should be included in the textbooks of college students to
enhance their knowledge about the taboo subject.