Knowledge about transmission of HIV and AIDS, the attitude towards the people living with AIDS has a critical impact on prevention of the Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome. Knowledge on modes of transmission, prevention alongside was assessed amongst the UEAB students in Nandi County. School based cross-sectional survey of 180 students selected through probability sampling (94 males and 86 females). A pretested questionnaire was administered to assess knowledge and attitude of the students on HIV/AIDS. Knowledge and attitude scores were generated from the students' responses and multi variable linear regression was used to study the association of these scores with select predictor variables (notably age, year of study and school of study). Most students in the sample knew about their HIV status. A good proportion (85%) knew that AIDS is not curable. This study identified substantial lacunae in the knowledge of and attitude towards AIDS. HIV and AIDS education should be strengthened among the general population, especially among youths.

On cover and title page: United Nations General Assembly Special Session on HIV/AIDS

Hardly a day goes by without news headlines concerning infectious disease threats. Currently the spectre of a pandemic of influenza A|H1N1 is raising its head, and heated debates are taking place about the pro’s and con’s of vaccinating young girls against human papilloma virus. For an evidence-based and responsible communication of infectious disease topics to avoid misunderstandings and overreaction of the public, we need solid scientific knowledge and an understanding of all aspects of infectious diseases and their control. The aim of our book is to present the reader with the general picture and the main ideas of the subject. The book introduces the reader to methodological aspects of epidemiology that are specific for infectious diseases and provides insight into the epidemiology of some classes of infectious diseases characterized by their main modes of transmission. This choice of topics bridges the gap between scientific research on the clinical, biological, mathematical, social and economic aspects of infectious diseases and their applications in public health. The book will help the reader to understand the impact of infectious diseases on modern society and the instruments that policy makers have at their disposal to deal with these challenges. It is written for students of the health sciences, both of curative medicine and public health, and for experts that are active in these and related domains, and it may be of interest for the educated layman since the technical level is kept relatively low.