20-27
Evaluation of the Awareness of Marriage Candidates about AIDS in Babol
Authors: Malekzadeh Kebria R, Shabani F, Emadi HR, Vala F, Nasrollahpour Shirvani SD
Number of views: 409
Introduction and purpose: AIDS is a serious threat to the health of communities. Social awareness plays an important role in the prevention of this condition. The
aim of this study was to determine the awareness level of marriage candidates about AIDS in Babol, Iran.
Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on young couples (n=732), referring to premarital counseling centers; the subjects were selected via census
sampling. Data were collected, using a researcher-made questionnaire consisting of six items on demographic characteristics and nine items on AIDS awareness;
the validity and reliability of the questionnaire were confirmed. AIDS awareness (rated as good, medium and weak) was analyzed, using SPSS version 18.
Results: The mean age of samples was 24.2±5.7 years. Overall, 54% and 46% of subjects were female and male, respectively. The level of awareness about
AIDS in 19.4%, 36.5% and 44.1% of volunteers was poor, medium and good, respectively. Television and radio were the main sources of information in 44.1% of subjects. There was a significant relationship between educational level, age and level of awareness (r=-0.337, P=001 and r=-0.143, P=001, respectively). Also, there was a significant relationship between gender, place of residence, occupational status and level of awareness (P=001). Conclusion: This study showed that still more than half of young men and women do not have enough information about AIDS. Therefore, it is necessary
to continue educational programs at the community level.