Vol. 1, Issue 1, Part A (2019)

Background: With the continuing dramatic increase of HIV/ AIDS incidence adequate knowledge about the disease transmission is essential step for prevention. As general, knowledge and attitude studies are used in designing health promotion and education programs for interventions. Aim: This study aims to assess knowledge and attitude towards HIV/ AIDS among Assiut University students. Methods: The study was performed by using both quantitative and qualitative design among Assiut University students with gender segregation; cross sectional study using self -administered questionnaire among 500 males' non-medical students and Five Focus Group Discussions among females' students in Faculty of Nursing during the academic year 2012/2013. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS version16. The significant level of p value was calculated at p< 0.05. Results: The present study included 500 male's non-medical university students aged 18 to 24 years with mean age 20.9 years old and 50 female students of Faculty of Nursing. Knowledge of HIV/ AIDS and its modes of transmission were significantly good among students. The source of information among 61.2% was their study. There were some misconceptions and negative attitude toward the disease. Conclusion: The study revealed that university students were knowledgeable about HIV/AIDS but had negative attitude toward AIDS patients. Health education programs and training of university students are needed to address negative attitude toward people with HIV.