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Abstract
The awareness of HIV/AIDS is important to reduce the mortality and morbidity rate. This is because, figures in December 2010 showed that there are 91, 362 cases of HIV infections and 16, 352 cases of AIDS in Malaysia. The numbers increased a year later. This affects not only the patients’ quality of life, but also impose extra spending to the country. Hence, a cross-sectional survey was conducted to assess the level of awareness about HIV/AIDS among the population of Johor, Malaysia. A total of 396 respondents took part in this survey. They were evaluated based on questionnaires to assess the level of awareness of AIDS/HIV among them. Data collected were analyzed using SPSS version 17.0 software. The data indicated that AIDS/ HIV knowledge among the respondents was moderately high, with a mean mark of 37.9 of 48 points. Most were aware that high risk behaviors such as needle-sharing, sexual intercourse and blood transfusion could transmit the disease. However, most were still unaware that having tattoo or body piercing and also sharing personal items could lead to infection. More than half of the respondents believed that washing genital area with soap after intercourse could prevent the disease transmission. There was also misconception that if a pregnant woman becomes infected, the child will definitely be infected. The majority knew that there is no cure for AIDS/ HIV and some thought that there is difference between HIV and AIDS. The level of awareness of AIDS/ HIV among the Johor population was successfully evaluated.