title: Knowledge of HIV infection and transmission: a knowledge, attitudes, beliefs and practices (KABP) survey among a sample of students at the "Magna Graecia", University of Catanzaro.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Continuous spreading of HIV infection may be due to lack of knowledge, especially among young people. It is important to monitor level of knowledge and risk behaviours especially in young people to set up appropriate preventative and informative campaigns.
  
  
  METHODS
  We assessed knowledge of HIV infection and risk factors in a sample of students at the "Magna Graecia" University of Catanzaro, using an anonymous multiple-choice questionnaire.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Two-hundred and sixteen medical students attending the first year at "Magna Graecia" University (age: 18-20 years) were prescribed an anonymous multiple-choice questionnaire. Knowledge of HIV infection was scarce in a significant percentage of students. They were often practicing risk behaviours at risk for acquisition of HIV infection and other sexually transmitted infections.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This study shows that preventative and informative campaigns are urgently needed in earlier stage of adolescence to avoid acquisition of HIV infection and other sexually transmitted diseases.
authors.affiliation: UO Malattie Infettive e Tropicali, AOU "Mater Domini", Università degli Studi "Magna Graecia", Catanzaro, Italy.
authors.forename: Maria
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Mazzitelli
authors.affiliation: Scuola di Medicina e Chirurgia, Università degli Studi "Magna Graecia", Catanzaro, Italy.
authors.forename: Giulio
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Caridà
authors.affiliation: Scuola di Medicina e Chirurgia, Università degli Studi "Magna Graecia", Catanzaro, Italy.
authors.forename: Caterina
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Scigliano
authors.affiliation: Scuola di Medicina e Chirurgia, Università degli Studi "Magna Graecia", Catanzaro, Italy.
authors.forename: Maria Concetta
authors.initials: MC
authors.lastname: Vallone
authors.affiliation: Scuola di Medicina e Chirurgia, Università degli Studi "Magna Graecia", Catanzaro, Italy.
authors.forename: Federico
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Pirrò
authors.affiliation: Scuola di Medicina e Chirurgia, Università degli Studi "Magna Graecia", Catanzaro, Italy.
authors.forename: Maria Rita
authors.initials: MR
authors.lastname: Lombardo
authors.affiliation: Scuola di Medicina e Chirurgia, Università degli Studi "Magna Graecia", Catanzaro, Italy.
authors.forename: Giovanni
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Clemente
authors.affiliation: Scuola di Medicina e Chirurgia, Università degli Studi "Magna Graecia", Catanzaro, Italy.
authors.forename: Federica
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Bernaudo
authors.affiliation: UO Malattie Infettive e Tropicali, AOU "Mater Domini", Università degli Studi "Magna Graecia", Catanzaro, Italy.
authors.forename: Maria Concetta
authors.initials: MC
authors.lastname: Postorino
authors.affiliation: UO Malattie Infettive e Tropicali, AOU "Mater Domini", Università degli Studi "Magna Graecia", Catanzaro, Italy.
authors.forename: Alessio
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Strazzulla
authors.affiliation: Scuola di Medicina e Chirurgia, Università degli Studi "Magna Graecia", Catanzaro, Italy.
authors.forename: Rosario
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Maselli
authors.affiliation: UO Malattie Infettive e Tropicali, AOU "Mater Domini", Università degli Studi "Magna Graecia", Catanzaro, Italy.
authors.forename: Carlo
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Torti
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000635:transmission*; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D007558:Italy; D008297:Male; D012307:Risk Factors; D012749:Sexually Transmitted Diseases / Q000635:transmission; D013334:Students; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014495:Universities; D055815:Young Adult