Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 29, 2026

Comprehensive & Cost Effective Laboratory Monitoring of HIV/AIDS: an African Role Model
Published on: October 31, 2010
HIV/AIDS knowledge amongst gypsies in Lahore and their preventive practices
Lubna Khurram Khan1, Shahid Mahmood Sethi, Farkhanda Kokab
1Department of Medicine, Akhter Mubarik Referral Centre, Lahore. lubna4767@hotmail.com
Objective:
To evaluate the knowledge of HIV/AIDS among gypsies in Lahore and their preventive practices.
Study Design:
Cross-sectional study.
Place And Duration Of Study:
Four gypsy settlements around Multan Road, Lahore were surveyed from July to August 2009.
Methodology:
Two hundred and thirteen randomly selected gypsies, aged 15-50 years, were interviewed using a pretested questionnaire based on UNAIDS survey indicators. Socio-demographic information and knowledge about HIV/AIDS, its spread and preventive practices was asked. Scoring systems were devised to categorize the level of knowledge and preventive practices as satisfactory and unsatisfactory. Statistically significant difference between knowledge and preventive practices was calculated by Pearson's chi-square test using Epi Info. version 3.5.1.
Results:
The mean age of participants was 29.5 ± 6.5 years, including 60.2% males and 39.8% females. Aggregate score for the level of knowledge indicated that 17 (7.98%) of these gypsies had satisfactory knowledge about HIV/AIDS and its transmission, whereas 40 (18.77%) and 156 (73.23%) were classified as having unsatisfactory and poor knowledge respectively. However, there was a statistically significant difference (p=0.003) when this knowledge was compared with preventive practices.
Conclusion:
Knowledge of HIV/AIDS among gypsies in Lahore was largely unsatisfactory. Improving knowledge about HIV/AIDS among gypsy community may result in positive behavioural change for disease prevention.
Related Concept Videos
Sexually Transmitted Infections
Amebiasis
Standard Precaution
Hand hygiene is the most crucial means to prevent the transmission of disease. Employers are legally required to provide their workers with personal protective equipment (PPE) to minimize exposure or contact with...
Pulmonary Tuberculosis V
Latent tuberculosis infection occurs when TB bacteria are present in a person's body, but are not causing illness or symptoms. It is not contagious, and preventive treatment is crucial to avoid the progression...
Retrovirus Life Cycles
Healthcare Associated Infections II: Preventive Measures
The best practices for preventing healthcare-associated infections include hand hygiene, patient risk...
