General Population Survey In Rural Area To Generate Prevention Indicators For HIV/AIDS Control

Abstract

Research question: What has been the impact of massive educational campaign of AIDS/HIV in general population in rural areas? Objectives :1.To ascertain the level of awareness of preventive practices relating to HIV/AIDS.2.To know the prevalence of sexual risk behaviour.3.To ascertain condom availability and accessibility. Study design: Cross-sectional. Participants: Men and women in age group 15-49 years. Sample size: 1737 individuals. Settings: Rural areas of Distt.Rohtak. Outcome variables: Awareness of preventive practices, martial relations, risk behaviour. Statistical methods: simple proportions. Results: A little less than half of the persons (49.5%) in age bracket 15-49 years had heard about AIDS. 43% of individuals had knowledge of atleast two acceptable methods of protection from HIV infection. Men were better informed as compared to women. Effective preventive practices were known to 35% of individuals. 5.47% of sexually active individuals reported having sex with non-regular sex partners and only one fourth of individuals having risky sexual partnership used condoms. 78% of the population had access to uninterrupted supply of condoms.