Awareness of Police Exhibition Visitors about AIDS in Kerman, Iran, 2010

Background: AIDS is one of the most important causes of mortality throughout the world, due to lack of an effective treatment and vaccine. Control of this disease is possible through improving public awareness and teaching prevention, especially to the youth. The aim of this study was to determine the public’s awareness level about AIDS in order to perform educational programs based on the real needs of the community. Method: In a descriptive cross-sectional study, 300 individuals visiting the Police Exhibition in Kerman, Iran, in 2010, volunteered to participate and entered the study. Data gathering was done by a questionnaire consisting demographic features and awareness testing items with sufficient validity and reliability. Data were analyzed using chi-square test and Pearson’s coefficient correlation. Results: The mean awareness score was 38.7 ± 8.7 from 59. Awareness level was poor in 16.7%, moderate in 61.0% and good in 22.3%. Awareness score showed significant relationship with gender, job and educational level. Women, housekeepers and people with above diploma education had higher scores. There was no significant relationship between the awareness score and age or marital status. Conclusion: According to the results, the awareness level of AIDS transmission routes and prevention is average and not desirable in our community. Therefore, more focus on educational programs is needed to improve the health level of the society and to keep their knowledge at a desirable rate.