Knowledge of HIV/AIDS among young people

Introduction. Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) caused by human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is one of the most serious infectious diseases on a global scale. Since the outbreak of the epidemic there was 78 million people infected with HIV, 35 million of whom have died. The AIDS control in Poland began in 1988. Aim. Assessment the knowledge level of young Polish people about AIDS. Materials and methods. The survey was conducted among 346 people utilizing the social media channels. They received 11 questions including the basic definitions, ways of infection and diagnosis of AIDS. Results. The results of our study confirm that people have insufficient knowledge of this serious disease. Less than 40% of all respondents could point the most common paths of infection and the time of first symptoms after exposure. Nearly 50% knew that AIDS and HIV are not equal terms. Conclusions. There is a need to raise awareness about HIV and AIDS. Young people should learn much more about mechanisms, symptoms and particularly prevention of this still untreatable disorder.