ASSESSMENT OF KNOWLEDGE AND ATTITUDE REGARDING HIV/AIDS AMONG THE “PRE-MEDICAL” COLLEGE STUDENTS OF QUETTA, BALUCHISTAN.

Background: Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) continue to pose a significant public health challenge, especially in developing countries like Pakistan. The adolescent population remains highly vulnerable due to limited awareness, deep-rooted stigma, and inadequate educational initiatives. Comprehensive understanding of HIV/AIDS among youth is essential for effective prevention, timely diagnosis, and reduction of transmission. In Pakistan, the rising incidence of HIV among young people calls for an urgent evaluation of their knowledge and attitudes toward the disease. Objective: To assess the knowledge and attitudes regarding HIV/AIDS among pre-medical college students in Quetta, Baluchistan. Methods: A questionnaire-based cross-sectional study was conducted among first- and second-year pre-medical students enrolled in four public and private intermediate colleges in Quetta. A structured, self-administered questionnaire comprising four sections—consent, demographics, knowledge (24 items), and attitude (11 items)—was used for data collection. A total of 400 questionnaires were distributed using random sampling; 356 fully completed responses were included in the final analysis. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 20, applying descriptive and inferential statistics. Chi-square, Mann-Whitney, and Kruskal-Wallis tests were used to determine statistical significance (p<0.05). Results: Among 356 participants, 199 (56%) were female and 157 (44%) were male, with a mean age of 17.6 years. Overall, 326 students (91.6%) demonstrated adequate knowledge; however, 50% believed HIV and AIDS are the same, 64% believed AIDS causes HIV, and 43% believed there is a cure. Misconceptions were common: 37.1% cited toilet seats, 38.5% coughing/sneezing, 20.2% mosquito bites, and 38.5% sharing water as transmission routes. A significant proportion held stigmatizing views—57% favored isolating HIV-positive individuals, and 69% would stop meeting an infected friend. Conclusion: While the majority of students possessed basic awareness about HIV/AIDS, critical misconceptions and negative attitudes persisted. Targeted awareness campaigns and integration of accurate sexual health education within academic curricula are crucial to address these gaps and reduce stigma.