Structural and Systemic Monitoring of Awareness of Different Population Groups about the Diagnosis, Prevention and Treatment of HIV/AIDS

The work presents the analysis of epidemiological monitoring of HIV/AIDS in the Dnipropetrovsk region and the results of socio-psychological research of different population groups in the region. The study included interviews of 99 residents of the city. The findings showed that in general the population of the Dnipropetrovsk region is aware of the majority of issues regarding HIV/AIDS, but the great part of them, including medical professionals, demonstrate the intolerance toward people living with HIV. However, there was the presence of stigmatization and discrimination, as well as insufficient informational activity and social support from public and charitable organizations in the Dnepropetrovsk area. Also, the prevalence of AIDS-phobia was revealed among 72 % of the city residents who visited the outpatient clinics (group A) and among 24 % of healthcare workers of various specialties (group B). So, 40 % of the respondents of group A and 12 % of respondents in group B considered it necessary to isolate HIV-infected persons from society, which confirms the lack of awareness about HIV/AIDS among the population. The analysis of the findings showed that the majority of HIV-positive citizens before the occurrence of certain health problems does not consider it necessary, even in the presence of risk factors, to be screened for HIV, thus representing a «hidden» source of infection, which supports the spread of HIV, as indicated by the fact that only in 33 % of people living with HIV, infection status was determined through anonymous testing.