Awareness About HIV/AIDS Among Karnataka Women: An Analysis of RCH 2002-04 Data

Abstract

This study focuses on women in the 15-44 years age group who are more likely to be vulnerable to HIV infection.  The analysis is primarily based on secondary data collected in Reproductive and Child Health project II 2002-2004. The findings of the study reveal that there is a wide gap between awareness and knowledge of HIV/AIDS. Many women are not aware of the modes through which HIV/AIDS spreads, and the precautions to be taken to check further spread of the disease.   More than one- fourth of the women expressed misconceptions about the spread of HIV/AIDS. The study clearly indicates that knowledge of HIV/AIDS is directly related to the social and economic background of the target group. It is encouraging to note that a higher percentage of women who go to an institution for delivery and who use spacing methods of contraception are aware of HIV/AIDS.