Youth Awareness of Aids in Rajshahi, Bangladesh: A Survey Study

Materials and methods

Study Area

The study was conducted in Ward No. 26 of Rajshahi City Corporation, Bangladesh, which covers an area of 95.56 square kilometers. It is located between 24°20’ and 24°24’ north latitudes and 88°32’ and 88°40’ east longitudes. The total population of Rajshahi City Corporation was 388811, with 208525 males and 180286 females.

Study unit and sampling

The study unit consisted of all youth in Ward No. 26 of Rajshahi City Corporation, Bangladesh. A total of 33 youths were selected from a population of 151 using random sampling.

Questionnaire

A structured, pre-designed questionnaire was used for data collection. The questionnaire included a combination of multiple-choice and Likert scale questions, grouped into sections addressing:

Demographic information

Questions included the respondent’s age, marital status, educational background, and occupation. These details were collected to understand how these factors might influence knowledge and attitudes toward AIDS.

Knowledge about AIDS

This section assessed respondents’ awareness of AIDS transmission methods, symptoms, prevention, and treatment. It also explored where respondents learned about AIDS and their understanding of key facts (e.g., incubation period, risky behaviors).

Attitudes toward AIDS

Respondents were asked about their perceptions of individuals living with AIDS, whether they believed AIDS could be eradicated, and the effectiveness of preventive methods like condoms, vaccination, and education.

Perception of treatment

This section focused on respondents’ attitudes toward treatment options for AIDS, such as antiretroviral therapy and alternative medicine, and their views on the accessibility of treatment in their area.

Survey tools

The questionnaire was printed and distributed to the youth in Ward No. 26 of Rajshahi City Corporation, Bangladesh. Surveyors used standardized instructions to ensure consistency and clarity when administering the survey.

Study design and participants

Design: A descriptive cross-sectional study design was employed to assess the knowledge and attitudes of the youth in the area. The data were collected over a specified period, with no follow-up interventions.

Participants: The study focused on the youth of Ward No. 26, which consists of young individuals from diverse backgrounds. A total of 33 youth participants were selected through convenience sampling from the community. The participants’ ages ranged from 16 to 20 years. While the sample was small, it was selected to provide insight into the perceptions of young individuals living in this specific ward.

Demographics: The study aimed to include a balanced demographic distribution, accounting for variables such as educational level, occupation (e.g., students, employed), and marital status to see how these factors may influence knowledge and attitudes about AIDS.

Data collection and procedure

Data collection: Primary data collection method from primary and secondary data sources. The primary data were collected from young people, and the secondary data were collected from secondary books, journals, periodicals, research reports, and newspapers.

Procedure recruitment: Participants were invited to participate through local outreach within Ward No. 26, including notices posted at community centers and youth gathering spots. All potential participants were informed about the nature of the study and the voluntary nature of participation. The data collection process involved distributing the questionnaire to the selected respondents in a face-to-face setting.

Survey administration: Each participant received a copy of the questionnaire, along with instructions on how to complete it. The survey was administered in a quiet, controlled setting, ensuring that respondents had enough time to answer all questions thoughtfully. Clarifications were provided if needed.

Completion time: The questionnaire was designed to be completed within 20-30 minutes, and participants were encouraged to answer each question truthfully. Assistance was available for any participant who had difficulty understanding the questions.

Data analysis

After the completion of data collection, all questionnaires were carefully reviewed, coded, and entered into Microsoft Excel 2019 for initial screening and error checking. Manual data entry was employed to minimize errors and ensure accuracy. Following verification, the dataset was exported into the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 21 for detailed statistical analysis.

Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the socio-demographic characteristics of respondents, including age, education, and occupation. Frequencies and percentages were calculated to present distributions of responses for continuous variables. To examine patterns in knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions regarding AIDS among the youth in Ward No. 26, cross-tabulations were conducted between demographic variables and awareness-related indicators. Results were presented in tables for clarity, allowing for a comprehensive understanding of the patterns, relationships, and determinants of AIDS awareness among youth in Rajshahi, Bangladesh.

Ethical considerations

Before participation, all youth were given a detailed explanation of the study’s objectives and procedures. Written informed consent was obtained from each participant to ensure their understanding and voluntary participation. To maintain confidentiality, all personal identifiers were removed from the data. The respondent information was stored securely, and only aggregate data was used in the analysis.

Limitations

The sample size of 33 respondents is small, which may limit the ability to generalize the findings to the larger young population of Rajshahi. Using convenience sampling may cause selection bias, as the youth who were most accessible or willing to participate may not represent the broader youth population of Rajshahi. The data were based on self-reported responses; the results may be affected by social desirability bias, where respondents may provide answers they believe are socially acceptable rather than their true beliefs.

Results and discussion

Distribution of respondents by age and marital status

Table 1 presents the distribution of respondents based on their age and marital status. Among the respondents aged 16, 36.36% are married, and 36.36% are unmarried. For those aged 17, 18.18% are married and 18.18% are unmarried. Among the 18-year-olds, 6.06% are married, and 6.06% are unmarried. At age 19, 6.06% are married, and 9.09% are unmarried. For respondents aged 20, 24.24% are married. The total number of respondents is 33, with 30.30% married and 69.69% unmarried. Hasan, et al. [12] observed that women aged 25–49 years had more knowledge about HIV/AIDS, whereas younger married women exhibited a more significant decline in their awareness of HIV/AIDS in Bangladesh.

The distribution of respondents is based on their educational qualifications and occupation (Table 2). Among those with education up to 1-5th grade, 18.18% are involved in labor, agriculture, and jobs, with 6.06% working in jobs, 3.03% as students, and 3.03% in agriculture. In the SSC category, 21.21% of respondents are employed in jobs. A significant portion, 60.60%, of those with HSC qualifications are employed in jobs. One student and one laborer are illiterate. The total number of respondents is 33, with 87.87% employed. Ngadaya, et al. [13] stated that youth with lower levels of formal education are more likely to work in labor or agriculture, which may result in lower awareness of HIV/AIDS.

Table 3 presents respondents’ sources of hearing about AIDS. A majority, 60.60%, have heard about AIDS through television. Smaller groups learned about it through books and newspapers, each accounting for 6.06%. Additionally, 15.15% reported seeing signage on the side of the road, and 9.09% mentioned other sources. Only 3.03% of respondents have not heard of AIDS. The total number of respondents is 33. Similar results were reported by Gupta, et al. [14], and the findings were that 85% of respondents gathered information about HIV/AIDS from television. It served as the primary source of knowledge of HIV/AIDS in Bangladesh.

Table 4 shows respondents’ views on how long it takes for AIDS symptoms to appear after infection. A majority, 60.60%, are unsure about the timing. Among those with an opinion, 15.15% believe symptoms appear after more than 10 years, while 12.12% think symptoms show up between 6 and 10 years. A smaller proportion, 9.09%, think symptoms appear within 6 months to a year, and only 3.03% believe symptoms show up within 3 to 6 months. The total number of respondents is 33. Similar results were noted by Hasan, et al. [12], and the results 70% of respondents were unsure about the appearance of AIDS symptoms. There was a significant lack of knowledge of HIV/AIDS.

Table 5 presents respondents’ views on how AIDS is transmitted. A majority, 45.45%, believe that sexual intercourse is the primary mode of transmission. Smaller percentages of respondents think AIDS is transmitted through hugging affected people (6.06%), using shared needles (3.03%), or from a pregnant mother to her child (15.15%). Some respondents mention transmission through blood (9.09%), mothers’ milk (3.03%), or other unspecified modes (12.12%). A few are unsure about the transmission modes (6.06%). The total number of respondents is 33. Reza, et al. [15] noted that 96.20% of respondents agreed HIV was transmitted through sexual intercourse. This study also reported that 56.25% of respondents identified sexual intercourse as the primary cause of HIV/AIDS.

Table 6 presents respondents’ views on how to identify persons with AIDS. A majority, 60.60%, believe that AIDS can be identified through a special blood test. A smaller portion, 12.12%, thinks stool or urine tests can be used for identification. Only 3.03% suggest that appearance can be used to identify someone with AIDS, while 24.24% have other opinions. The total number of respondents is 33. Boadu, et al. [16] noted that the blood and serum tests were more accurate in identifying AIDS. Another study reported that the laboratory diagnostic was most suitable for AIDS [17].

Table 7 summarizes respondents’ views on the life expectancy of an individual with treated AIDS. A small proportion, 15.15%, believe that a person can live for a long time with treatment, while 12.12% think the person could live for 10 years. Only 6.06% estimate a survival time of 5 years, and 3.03% think it would be 1 year. Some respondents believe a person can live for 2 years (9.09%), and 54.54% are uncertain about the survival time. The total number of respondents is 33. Marcus, et al. [18] noted that a maximum percentage of respondents were uncertain about the life expectancy of an individual with treated AIDS.

Table 8 presents respondents’ views on the conditions under which the AIDS virus exists in the human body. A majority, 30.30% believe the virus exists in a dormant state, while 24.24% think it is outwardly expressed. A significant portion, 45.45% is unsure about the condition of the virus. The total number of respondents is 33. Ma, et al. [19] stated that the results showed a lack of clarity regarding the condition of the AIDS virus in the human body.

Table 9 summarizes respondents’ opinions on the duration of AIDS symptoms. A small proportion, 18.18%, believe the symptoms last for 10 years, while 12.12% estimate a duration of 3 to 6 months. Only 6.06% think the symptoms last between 6 months and 1 year. The majority, 63.63%, are unsure about the duration. The total number of respondents is 33. Alhasawi, et al. [20] reported that there were HIV/AIDS symptoms, and there was a huge gap in rural people.

Table 10 presents respondents’ views on including articles about AIDS in textbooks. A majority, 45.45%, believe that there should be articles on AIDS in textbooks, while 3.03% disagree. Additionally, 42.42% of respondents feel that there are no articles on AIDS in textbooks, and 9.09% have other opinions. The total number of respondents is 33. A cross-sectional study by Sarma and Oliveras [21] found that all teachers supported the inclusion of AIDS-related content in textbooks, reflecting a strong desire for improved education on the topic.

Table 11 presents respondents’ opinions on including an essay about AIDS in textbooks. A majority, 36.36%, support adding the essay to the SSC textbooks, while 30.30% favor inclusion in the 9th to 10th-grade textbooks. Among the respondents, 15.15% suggest including it in the 5th to 8th-grade textbooks, and 6.06% recommend adding it to HSC textbooks. Additionally, 12.12% have other suggestions. The total number of respondents is 33. Srivastava, et al. [22] stated that this indicates a strong desire to integrate AIDS awareness into the educational curriculum at key stages of youth development. This study also noted that the variety of suggestions underscores the importance of addressing AIDS education across different grade levels to reach a broader audience.

Table 12 presents respondents’ views on AIDS treatment options. A small proportion, 9.09%, supports allopathic treatment, while 3.03% favors homeopathic methods. Other treatments are mentioned by 6.06% of respondents. A majority, 75.75%, believe there is no treatment for AIDS, and 6.06% are uncertain. The total number of respondents is 33. Dijkstra, et al. [23] noted that the majority of respondents did not believe in treatments for AIDS, and most participants had limited knowledge of the HIV cure.

Table 13 presents respondents’ views on the information teachers have provided about AIDS. A majority, 30.30%, learned about the causes and symptoms of AIDS, while 27.27% were taught that AIDS is a disease. Additionally, 21.21% were informed that AIDS is a deadly disease. Some respondents (9.09%) learned about the types of AIDS prevention, and 3.03% received other information. A small group, 9.09%, reported not receiving any information. The total number of respondents is 33. Mishra and Guleri [24] noted that the majority of respondents lacked complete knowledge about the root cause of HIV/AIDS and had misconceptions about the mode of transmission.

Table 14 summarizes the sources from which respondents gained their knowledge about AIDS. Friends are identified as the primary source by 45.45% of participants. Elder brothers are mentioned by 18.18%, and elder sisters by 12.12%. Neighbors account for 15.15% as a source of information. A smaller proportion, 9.09% indicates they have not received any information. The total number of respondents is 33. Siddique, et al. [25] reported that 75-84% of participants obtained AIDS information from relatives and friends. This suggests that peer and familial networks are key sources of knowledge, underscoring the need to formalize and strengthen educational efforts to ensure accurate and reliable information reaches youth.

Table 15 provides respondents’ views on how to approach next of kin with AIDS. A majority, 69.69%, suggest arranging for their treatment, while 18.18% recommend treating them well. A smaller proportion, 12.12%, indicates a negative response. The total number of respondents is 33. The majority (69.69%) suggest arranging for treatment as the best approach for supporting next of kin with AIDS, while 18.18% emphasize treating them well. These findings suggest the need for efforts to reduce stigma and promote compassionate care for individuals living with AIDS. Knight and Schatz, [26] reported that the majority of respondents in this study highlighted the kin and well-treatment of AIDS, which was improving health conditions.

Table 16 illustrates respondents’ views on whether it is possible to make the country AIDS-free. A majority, 66.66%, believe it can be achieved through awareness and warnings. Safe sex is suggested by 15.15%, while 6.06% emphasize the use of sterile needles or syringes. Religious precepts are noted by 3.03%. A small proportion, 9.09%, are uncertain about the possibility. The total number of respondents is 33. Moghli, et al. [27] noted that 62.0% of respondents thought that awareness and warnings were reduced AIDS-free in the rural area. This study also emphasized the need for comprehensive awareness campaigns that address various prevention methods to reduce HIV transmission.

able 17 highlights respondents’ understanding of AIDS. A majority, 60.60%, describe it as a sexually transmitted disease, while 21.21% consider it a type of disease. A smaller proportion, 6.06%, view it as a combination of multiple diseases, and 12.12% are unsure about the concept. The total number of respondents is 33. Nubed and Akoachere, [28] reported that 62.10% of respondents identified sexually transmitted diseases in the human body. This study highlights the need for further clarification and education on the specific characteristics of AIDS to enhance awareness and prevention.

Table 18 presents respondents’ opinions on how society treats individuals with AIDS. A majority, 57.57%, believe society harbors hatred toward them, while 30.30% think they receive support. Only 3.03% indicate that society accepts them, and 6.06% say they are ostracized. An additional 3.03% are uncertain. The total number of respondents is 33. Knight and Schatz, [26] reported that the majority of respondents in this study highlight the societal and individual advantages of treatment as prevention in resource-poor settings.

Table 19 outlines respondents’ views on the symptoms of AIDS. A decrease in body weight is identified by 27.27% of respondents, while 36.36% note a reduction in immunity. Swollen body glands are mentioned by 15.15%, and 9.09% point to skin discoloration. Chronic cough or shortness of breath and diarrhea are each cited by 3.03%, as is occasional fever. Some respondents identify multiple symptoms. The total number of participants is 33. Swinkels, [29] noted that the most commonly identified AIDS symptom among respondents is a reduction in immunity and body weight.

Table 20 provides an overview of respondents’ opinions on effective measures to prevent AIDS. The majority of respondents (48.48%) believe that creating mass awareness is the most effective way to prevent AIDS. Encouraging safe sex was identified by 24.24% of respondents as a key preventive measure. Smaller proportions of respondents emphasized other measures, including encouraging HIV-free blood donation (6.06%), promoting religious observance (9.09%), and advising the use of sterile needles or syringes (6.06%). Notably, no respondents mentioned abstaining from sexual intercourse as a preventive measure, and 6.06% of participants were uncertain about the appropriate steps to prevent the disease. These findings highlight the importance of public awareness campaigns and safe sex education in preventing the spread of AIDS among youth in Rajshahi. Encouraging safe sex is also widely recommended. Akankunda, et al. [30] stated that the majority of respondents emphasize the importance of mass awareness campaigns as the most effective way to prevent AIDS.

Table 21 summarizes respondents’ opinions on the appropriateness of government and non-governmental organization (Government/NGO) activities. A majority, 66.66%, agree that these activities are appropriate. Among those who disagree, 6.06% cite a lack of publicity, 12.12% mention inadequate programs, 9.09% highlight negligence by workers, and 3.03% point to a lack of good treatment. An additional 3.03% are uncertain. The total number of respondents is 33. Sajadi, et al. [31] emphasized that NGOs play a crucial role in mitigating HIV/AIDS, despite certain shortcomings. Similarly, this study suggests that while current efforts are generally considered appropriate, enhancing outreach and program quality could further improve their effectiveness.

Table 22 highlights the respondents’ views on available treatments for AIDS. Among the participants, 63.63% prefer allopathic treatment, while 9.09% suggest homeopathic methods. No respondents indicated support for Kaviraj or other forms of treatment. A total of 18.18% express that there is no treatment, and 9.09% are uncertain. The total number of respondents is 33. Custer, et al. [32] noted that a higher proportion of respondents (74.70%) prefer allopathic medicine treatment for AIDS, while a smaller portion supports homeopathic methods (25.30%).

Table 23 presents the distribution of respondents’ opinions regarding measures to prevent AIDS. Among the participants, 39.39% suggest creating mass awareness as a preventive measure. Encouraging safe sex is preferred by 21.21% of respondents, while 9.09% advocate for HIV-free blood donation. A total of 12.12% recommend religious observance, and another 9.09% emphasize the use of live needles or syringes. Abstinence from sexual intercourse is suggested by 3.03% of respondents, and 6.06% remain uncertain. The total number of respondents is 33. Karim, et al. [33] reported that mass awareness, safe sex, and HIV-free blood donation are the key preventive measures for AIDS. These findings underscore the importance of diverse prevention strategies and the need for broader education to address various aspects of AIDS prevention.

Conclusion

This study revealed a moderate level of awareness about AIDS/HIV among youth in Rajshahi, Bangladesh. It was a significant understanding of the modes of transmission of AIDS/HIV, particularly through sexual contact and needle use. However, there are substantial gaps in knowledge about symptoms, treatment options, and long-term effects of the virus. Although mass awareness campaigns have been identified as the most effective preventive measure. There is a clear need for more comprehensive and accessible educational programs. Addressing these gaps through targeted interventions and nurturing a supportive environment for those affected by HIV/AIDS. This is crucial to improving overall understanding and combating the stigma surrounding the disease.