AIDS HIV AND SOCIAL-WORK STUDENTS IN DELHI, INDIA - AN EXPLORATORY-STUDY OF KNOWLEDGE, BELIEFS, ATTITUDES AND BEHAVIORS/

A nan-probability sample of 284 social work students who attended the two major universities in Delhi were anonymously surveyed regarding th eir knowledge about AIDS and attitude toward PWAs and homosexuals. As indicated by their scores on the 20-item knowledge test the students w ere fairly knowledgeable; however, they lacked information in crucial areas of AIDS. Using mean scores on the altitude scale, the students w ere determined to have moderate empathy toward PWAs but were highly ne gative toward homosexual acts. Knowledge was positively related to att itudes and perception of personal risk. Despite their awareness of ris k of AIDS, more than 40 percent each of males and females engaged in r isky sexual behaviors. Educational strategies to increase cognitive an d affective understanding of AIDS and their patients are discussed.