Impact of health education on knowledge and attitudes of Saudi paramedical students toward HIV/AIDS

Authors

• Yagob Y. Al-Mazrou, Assistant Deputy Minister for Preventive Medicine, Ministry of Health, Riyadh 11176, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Tel. +966 (1) 4057474. Fax. +966 (1) 4028941. E-mail: yalmazrou{at}hotmail.com
• Mohammad S. Abouzeid, Preventive Medicine Department, Ministry of Health, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
• Mohammad H. Al-Jeffri, Parasitic and Infectious Diseases, Ministry of Health, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To assess the impact of health education on the knowledge and attitudes of paramedical students in Saudi Arabia toward HIV/AIDS. METHODS: We carried out an interventional study on a sample selected from students of health institutes and health colleges in Saudi Arabia during the calendar year 2002-2003. RESULTS: The intervention shows a positive effect on students9 knowledge regarding means of transmission of HIV and means of protection from HIV/AIDS. Furthermore, it has a positive impact on students9 attitudes toward accepting discussion of AIDS topics with others, acceptance of home care for HIV infected family member and acceptance of HIV-infected individual9s right at work. Preference of confidentiality was also significantly increased after intervention. CONCLUSION: Health education intervention has a positive impact on students9 knowledge and attitudes towards HIV/AIDS and we recommend a nationwide health education program on HIV/AIDS.

Article Type

Research Article

First Page

1788

Last Page

1795

Recommended Citation

Al-Mazrou, Yagob Y.; Abouzeid, Mohammad S.; and Al-Jeffri, Mohammad H. (2005) "Impact of health education on knowledge and attitudes of Saudi paramedical students toward HIV/AIDS," Saudi Medical Journal: Vol. 26: Iss. 11, Article 20.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.15537/1658-3175.3201