Akademik Veri Yönetim Sistemi
Journal of Psychiatric Nursing, cilt.11, sa.1, ss.41-48, 2020 (ESCI)
Objectives: This study aims to determine the level of knowledge and stigma about HIV/AIDS in adults without a history of HIV/AIDS. Additionally, it aims to evaluate the related factors and to examine the relationship between the level of knowledge and stigma. Methods: This study was conducted with 185 people between the ages of 18–70 who were present in a university hospital for reasons other than health problems. The sociodemographic characteristics of the individuals were recorded and the level of knowledge and stigma related to HIV/AIDS was evaluated using a literature questionnaire consisting of 34 items prepared using expert opinions. Results: The median knowledge score (min-max) of the participants regarding HIV/AIDS was 9 (0–15) and the median score (min-max) regarding HIV/AIDS stigma was 5 (0–15). The three most frequently preferred sources of information about HIV/AIDS were media, school, family and friends. It was determined that the knowledge of university graduates about HIV/AIDS was higher than that of high school graduates. HIV/AIDS related stigmatization level was found to be higher in males than in females, and in those with lower levels of education. It was determined that the increase in the level of knowledge about HIV/AIDS was associated with a decrease in stigmatization level. Conclusion: The most striking result of the research is that the stigmatization level related to HIV/AIDS is affected by both the level of knowledge of the participants and the level of education. Based on these results, interventions directed toward education will reduce stigma related to HIV/AIDS and that men especially, and people with lower education levels need to be selected as the target group for information.