Youth health literacy: Assessing the impact of an interventional campaign on HIV/AIDS and STI awareness in urban schools of Waghodia, Vadodara, Gujarat


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Article type :

Original Article

Author :

Himani Bhardwaj Pandya, Nidhi Mihirkumar Bhalodia, Rachana Bhavin Patel, Binda Prakashbhai Pipaliya, Saurabh Chhotalal Norris, Himani Bhardwaj Pandya, Nidhi Mihirkumar Bhalodia, Rachana Bhavin Patel, Binda Prakashbhai Pipaliya, Saurabh Chhotalal Norris

Volume :

11

Issue :

3

Abstract :

Background: Adolescents are particularly vulnerable to misinformation and stigma regarding reproductive health, HIV/AIDS, and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). This study evaluates the impact of a structured interventional campaign on the knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions of school-going adolescents in Waghodia, Vadodara, Gujarat.Materials and Methods: An educational intervention study was conducted over three months, from July 1 to September 30, 2022, involving 210 students from grades 8 to 12 across three English-medium schools in Vadodara, Gujarat. A validated, structured questionnaire assessed baseline knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions about sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and HIV/AIDS through a pre-test, which was followed by interactive awareness sessions, including PowerPoint presentations and role-plays. Post-intervention changes were measured using the same questionnaire. Statistical analyses were conducted using the chi-square test and p-value to assess significance and strength of associations.Results: Following the intervention, there was a statistically significant improvement (p < 0 xss=removed xss=removed n=60 n=20/group) n=60 n=20/group)>20,000 IU/ml.Conclusion: Hepatitis B is continued to be serious global threat with long term complication. In developing countries HBV is a major cause of mortality and morbidity. HBV RT-PCR has high sensitivity & specificity for detecting active infection and monitoring response to treatment.

Keyword :

Hepatitis B, HBsAg, ELISA, HBV-DNA, treatment predictors, ALT level, cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma.