Knowledge and attitude of marriage candidates attending in pre-marriage counseling classes about AIDS in Jahrom

HIV is increasingly spreading such that its prevalence has reached 5% in high-risk groups. This study aimed to determine the knowledge and attitude level of marriage candidates attending pre-marriage counseling classes about AIDS in Jahrom, Iran.
Material and This cross-sectional study recruited marriage candidates (n=367), attending pre-marriage counseling classes about AIDS in Jahrom in 2017. Data were collected by a standard questionnaire. Data were analyzed in SPSS version 18 using descriptive and Chi-square tests.
Overall, 49% (180) and 51% (187) of subjects were female and male, respectively. The level of knowledge about AIDS in 10.4%, 27.5%, 28.6% and 33.5% of volunteers was poor, medium, good and excellent, respectively. There was a significant relationship between education level, place of residence, age group and occupation and level of knowledge (P=0.0001). The level of attitude toward AIDS in 2.2%, 12%, 21.3% and 64.6% of volunteers was poor, medium, good and excellent, respectively. A significant relationship was observed between attitude and place of residence and education level (P=0.0001). Television (34.6%) and health centers (25.1%) were the main sources of information.
The participants’ level of knowledge and attitude was generally good. It is recommended that training be provided, especially for villagers to make them more aware of transmission ways and prevention means of AIDS.