Knowledge and Attitude of Iranian Youth Toward AIDS: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis in Iran

Inadequate knowledge and negative attitudes are the major hindrances to prevent the spread of the human immunodeficiency virus. This study aims to assess the knowledge and attitude toward the human immunodeficiency virus and acquired immune deficiency syndrome among youths in Iran. We conducted a systematic review, searching online databases until July 2018, focusing on knowledge and attitudes about the human immunodeficiency virus and acquired immune deficiency syndrome in Iranian youths. We included the studies that aimed to determine the knowledge and attitudes of people from Iran and were conducted in the last 18 years. In total, 14 eligible papers (out of 300) were entered into the analysis, and the overall knowledge of Iranian youth toward the acquired immune deficiency syndrome was 57.6% (95% CI: 56.7%-58.5%). Also, the results of Cochran's test showed the heterogeneity of the studies (Q=1578.2, df=13, I2=79.4%, p<0.001). We concluded that our results would guide the development of population-focused knowledge and attitude about the human immunodeficiency virus and acquired immune deficiency syndrome in Iran, which is lacking among the general public and healthcare staff.