Knowledge and Attitude towards HIV/AIDS in India: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of 47 studies from 2010-2020

Background: India has the third largest HIV epidemic worldwide. There are many studies conducted in various states assessing the knowledge among the key population, general population but there is no systematic study done to assess the overall knowledge and attitudes of people towards HIV//AIDS. The aim of this study is to determine the present status of the knowledge and attitude towards HIV/AIDS by conducting a systematic review. Methods: We identified peer-reviewed literature through PubMed/Medline, Scopus, Embase, and Google scholar databases, published from January 2010 to November 2020. Cross-sectional studies investigating knowledge and attitude towards HIV/AIDS were included, and meta-analyzed accordingly. The data were analyzed using a random-effect model due to the heterogeneity between the studies. Results and discussion: A total of 47 studies were identified through systematic reviewing, and 43 of these were included in the meta-analysis. Overall, the level of knowledge about HIV/AIDS was 75% (95% CI: 69-80%), and studies conducted in female sex workers reported a higher level of knowledge 89% (95% CI: 77-100%) compared to students (77%) and the general population (70%), respectively. However, the studies reported attitude towards HIV/AIDS was suboptimal (60%, 95%CI: 51-69%). Most of the students (58%), people living with HIV/AIDS (57%), general population (71%), and healthcare workers (74%) had a positive attitude towards HIV/AIDS. Conclusions: The overall knowledge about HIV/AIDS in India was found to be reasonable (75%), with about two-thirds (60%) of those indicating a positive attitude. It is necessary to improve the level of knowledge and attitude about HIV/AIDS in India.