ASSESSING THE ROLE OF EDUCATION LEVEL IN SHAPING HIV PREVALENCE: EVIDENCE FROM BIHAR, INDIA

AUTHOR – DR. RANJEETA KUMARI, ASSISTANT DIRECTOR & SCIENTIST ‘C’,  FORENSIC PSYCHOLOGY DIVISION, CFSL (MHA) NEW DELHI

BEST CITATION – DR. RANJEETA KUMARI, ASSESSING THE ROLE OF EDUCATION LEVEL IN SHAPING HIV PREVALENCE: EVIDENCE FROM BIHAR, INDIA, ILE MULTIDISCIPLINARY JOURNAL, 4 (2) OF 2025, PG. 423-428, APIS – 3920-0007 | ISSN – 2583-7230.

Abstract

Education is a crucial determinant of ethical and social values, decision-making, and risk-taking behaviour, all of which significantly influence health outcomes. Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) remains a major global public health challenge, severely affecting the physical and psycho-social well-being of individuals. This study aimed to investigate the role of education level on the prevalence of HIV in Bihar, India. A purposive sample of 100 male participants aged 18–45 years, all with at least primary-level education, was selected. The sample included 50 HIV-infected individuals and 50 healthy controls from Kishanganj and Patna, Bihar, India. Data were collected using a self-prepared Client Interview Schedule (CIS) and analysed using the Chi-square (χ²) test. The results revealed significant differences in education levels between the two groups, both for the participants and their parents. HIV-infected individuals were predominantly found to have only primary education, as were their parents. This lack of education may contribute to limited self-control, impaired decision-making, and underdeveloped ethical and social values. In contrast, healthy controls were more likely to have higher education levels, both personally and in their families, fostering better socialization and a reduced propensity for risk-taking. These findings highlight the importance of education in reducing the prevalence of HIV. Limited education in both personal and parental domains is linked to higher engagement in unsafe physical relations, which increases the risk of HIV infection. The study underscores the need for targeted psychological and social interventions for individuals infected with HIV, while promoting quality education as a preventive measure.

Keywords: Education Level, HIV, Risk-taking Behaviour, Unsafe Physical Relations.