Knowledge and attitude foward HIV/AIDS in the urban public in Anhui Province and the effects of health education.

Objective To determine level of knowledge and attitude toward HIV/AIDS in the urban public in Anhui and examine the effects of health education.Method A total of 979 people were selected via continuous sampling and were interviewed anonymously in 5 cities classified into 3 levels.Respondents were rated on their general knowledge and misconception and attitude toward HIV/AIDS.The socio-demographic features and the way of access to public education among the respondents were recorded too.Results 9.6% of the respondents gave correct answers about HIV/AIDS related knowledge,11% of them had no misconception about HIV/AIDS transmission and prevention,and 22.9% had positive attitude toward HIV/AIDS.Lack of knowledge about HIV/AIDS was common among migrant population,the less educated,female,the unmarried and the youth aged 18 years or below.It was effective to develop health education via TV program and newspapers.Conclusion To improve HIV/AIDS-related knowledge in the urban public,proper guidance for health education and its effect evaluation should be strengthened.