Mandatory HIV Testing: An Indian Perspective

Abstract

Background: HIV infection has been the most significant disease to affect the mankind during the last two decades. More than half of all new HIV infections occur among young adults. A decade back HIV/AIDS was the leading cause of death among young adults in the developing countries as well as in the developed countries.Materials and Methods: A descriptive survey was conducted among 434 participants representing college students of Udupi district, Karnataka. Stratified random sampling technique was used to select the participants across the district. A structured self-administered tool was adapted consisting of a knowledge questionnaire and attitude scale to collect the data. In statistical analyses frequency, percentage, chi-square, and Pearson correlation were used.Results: Majority (56%) of the participants were below 20 years of age. Television was found to be the main source of information (61.8%) regarding HIV infection. Most (71.4%) of the participants had good knowledge regarding HIV infection. About 83.9% of the participants had favorable attitude towards mandatory premarital HIV testing. The knowledge scores were found to be positively correlated with the attitude of the participants towards mandatory premarital HIV testing. Conclusion: The findings of this study imply thinking towards some public health intervention on HIV counseling and testing and it should be tailored specifically for each population group.