Objective: This study assessed the knowledge of the youth of Pakistan regarding HIV transmission, their misconceptions, and their stigmatizing attitudes toward people living with HIV/AIDS in an exploratory cross-sectional sample. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at Rawalpindi Medical University; the duration of the study was 6 months, from May to October (2025). Our sample size was 308. Data were collected using a questionnaire. The sampling technique was non-random convenience sampling, and data analysis was performed using SPSS version 28 with chi-square tests. Results: This study included 308 participants, with 62.3% females ( n = 192) and 37% males ( n = 114), divided into three age groups: 15–19 years (8.8%, n = 27), 20–24 years (57.5%, n = 177), and 25–29 years (31.2%, n = 96). Regarding HIV transmission knowledge, 91.9% ( n = 283) correctly identified sexual intercourse as a mode, whereas misconceptions existed – 5.2% ( n = 16) believed HIV could spread via a handshake, and 15.6% ( n = 48) thought it could be transmitted through mosquito bites, indicating good overall awareness with some gaps. Stigmatization was notable: 22.1% ( n = 68) felt uncomfortable around people with HIV/AIDS, 13.1% ( n = 40) would quit their job rather than work with an HIV-positive person, 26% ( n = 80) would not hug someone with HIV/AIDS, and 33.4% ( n = 104) associated HIV/AIDS with declining moral values. A significant association was found between misconceptions and negative attitudes ( P < 0.001), suggesting a lack of knowledge. Conclusion: Pakistani youth demonstrated strong knowledge of common HIV transmission routes but held critical misconceptions that contribute to stigmatizing attitudes. Enhancing education and open dialog on HIV prevention and treatment is essential to improving awareness and reducing stigma, thereby fostering public support for people living with HIV/AIDS.
Ghersheen et al. (Mon,) studied this question.
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