ANALYSIS OF MEDICAL STUDENTS' KNOWLEDGE ABOUT HIV INFECTION
Introduction: HIV infection continues to be a significant public health issue globally, particularly among vulnerable populations such as young people, including medical students. As future healthcare providers, the level of knowledge among medical students regarding HIV transmission, prevention, and management is crucial not only for their own health but also for controlling the spread of the infection within the broader community. Furthermore, their understanding influences attitudes toward people living with HIV, fostering a more non-discriminatory, supportive healthcare environment.
Objective: To assess the level of HIV knowledge among medical students and identify factors influencing their awareness.
Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using an anonymous online survey administered to 152 medical students. The survey assessed various aspects of HIV knowledge, including transmission routes, prevention methods, target cells of the virus, and its effects on the immune system. Statistical analysis was performed using Fisher’s exact test, and p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.
Results: The overall level of HIV knowledge among students was moderate. Age and field of study significantly influenced awareness levels (p < 0.05), with senior-year students and those studying General Medicine demonstrating better knowledge. Significant differences were found regarding HIV transmission routes (p = 0.022), target cells (p = 0.001), and the virus’s impact on the immune system (p = 0.046). Senior students and those specializing in general medicine demonstrated better knowledge (43.3% correct answers), while college students had the lowest results (19.4%).
Conclusion: The findings underscore the necessity for enhancing HIV education within medical curricula. It is particularly important to focus on comprehensive education regarding the mechanisms of virus transmission, its pathophysiological impact on the immune system, and evidence-based prevention strategies. Targeted educational interventions should be implemented, particularly for junior students and those outside of General Medicine, to ensure a well-rounded understanding across all medical disciplines.
Mukasheva Gulbarshyn Darynkyzy - Senior Teacher of the Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, NJSC "Semey Medical University", Semey, Kazakhstan; E-mail: gulbarshyn_1_12@mail.ru; phone +7 775 220 07 45, https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3490-5628;
Maukayeva Saule Boranbayevna - Candidate of Medical Sciences, Associate Professor of the Department of Infectious Diseases, Dermatovenerology and Immunology, NJSC "Semey Medical University", Semey, Kazakhstan; phone: 8 705 529 66 75, e-mail: solly66@mail.ru, https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2679-6399;
Kudaibergenova Nazym Konyrovna - Candidate of Medical Sciences, Associate Professor of the Department of Infectious Diseases, Dermatovenerology and Immunology, NJSC "Semey Medical University", Semey, Kazakhstan, phone: 8 705 188 0836, e-mail: nazym.kudaibergenova@smu.edu.kz, https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2679-6399;
Shabdarbayeva Dariya Muratovna – Doctor of Medical Sciences, Professor, Vice Rector for Science and Strategic Development", Semey Medical University", Semey, Kazakhstan, phone 8 707 365 82 71, e-mail: dariya_kz@bk.ru, httрs://оrсіd.оrg/0000-0001-9463-1935;
Berikuly Duman - PhD of Public Health, Vice-Rector for Postgraduate Education and Organizational Issues, NJSC "Semey Medical University", phone: 8 705 506 56 09; e-mail: duman.berikuly@smu.edu.kz; https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9738-7453;
Orazalina Ainash Saparovna – Candidate of Biological Sciences, Associate Professor, Head of the Department of Molecular Biology and Medical Genetics named after Academician of the National Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Kazakhstan T.K. Raisov, Semey Medical University, 103 Abay St., Semey, Republic of Kazakhstan; https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4594-0138; e-mail: ainash.orazalina@smu.edu.kz; +7-777-235-47-72;
Apbassova Saulesh Akhatovna - MD, Candidate of Medical Sciences. Department of Pathological Anatomy and Forensic Medicine, NJSC «Semey Medical University», e-mail: apbasova65@mail.ru, https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6650-4971;
Zhanibekova Ainur Serikkyzy - 4th year student of Pediatrics, NJSC "Semey Medical University", Semey, Kazakhstan; e-mail: ainur.zhanibekova03@mail.ru, phone 8778317645, https://orcid.org/0009-0002-0860-8945;
Kalkaman Aizhan Yerlankyzy - 5th year bachelor of General Medicine, NJSC “Semey Medical University”, Semey, Kazakhstan, e-mail: kalkamanae2003@gmail.com, phone 8778317645,https://orcid.org/0009-0002-3057-5326;
Akhmetova Almira Kalikapasovna - Candidate of Medical Sciences, Acting Professor of the Department of Infectious Diseases, Dermatovenerology and Immunology, NJSC "Semey Medical University", Semey, Kazakhstan, phone: 8 701 388 13 37, e-mail: almirahmetova@mail.ru, https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8938-3401.
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Mukasheva G.D., Maukayeva S.B., Kudaibergenova N.K., Shabdarbayeva D.M., Berikuly D., Orazalina A.S., Apbassova S.A., Zhanibekova A., Kalkaman A., Akhmetova A.K. Analysis of medical students' knowledge about HIV infection // Nauka i Zdravookhranenie [Science & Healthcare]. 2025. Vol.27 (1), pp. 100-106. doi 10.34689/SH.2025.27.1.012Похожие публикации:
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