@article{ajeid2018612,
author={{Linguissi, Laure Stella Ghoma and Yombi, Robin No¨¦ Ongagna and Nkenfou, C¨¦line Nguefeu and Ibara, Jean Rosaire},
title={Knowledge on HIV/AIDS among Students of the Faculty of Health Sciences, Brazzaville, Republic of Congo},
journal={American Journal of Epidemiology and Infectious Disease},
volume={6},
number={1},
pages={7--13},
year={2018},
url={http://pubs.sciepub.com/ajeid/6/1/2},
issn={2333-1275},
abstract={<b>Background: </b>The rate of HIV infection in the Republic of Congo is 5%. Training on HIV/AIDS is not formally included in the university curriculum. We evaluated students' knowledge and attitudes about HIV/AIDS in the Faculty of Health Sciences of Brazzaville. <b>Methods: </b>All 3rd year students in medicine, public health and biomedical sciences, plus the 4th, 5th and 6th years of medicine completed the survey through a questionnaire developed by the research unit. <b>Results: </b>A total of 159 students participated in the survey. The willingness to work with people living with HIV and the willingness to take care of them were respectively 88.05% and 91.19%. More than 92% of the students had a positive attitude toward people living with HIV/AIDS. It is therefore essential that caregivers be properly informed to improve their attitude and thus the quality of care for people living with HIV/AIDS. With regard to clinical questions on HIV/AIDS, knowledge about virology was insufficient. Students in clinical and especially preclinical years need to broaden their knowledge about clinical symptoms strongly associated with HIV/AIDS. <b>Discussion: </b>The majority of health science students had a good knowledge of HIV. Nearly half of them did not have a good attitude towards people living with HIV/AIDS. However, for the low proportion (&lt;17%) of students with negative attitudes, a review of the current educational components on HIV/AIDS is required. Knowledge of clinical signs and treatment of HIV/AIDS were moderate: at most 71% of students knew the correct answers. <b>Conclusion: </b>It is necessary to strengthen the basic knowledge of medical students on HIV/AIDS, but also to fight against misconceptions about this disease. This study showed that students need to learn more about HIV / AIDS. And the negative perception of PLWH by medical students should be addressed to improve the quality of care.},
doi={10.12691/ajeid-6-1-2}
publisher={Science and Education Publishing}
}