Assessing the Impact of a Student-Led Public Health Campaign on HIV Knowledge and Awareness: A Case Series Study

Abstract

Abstract Background: The global effort to end AIDS as a public health threat by 2030 has prompted various initiatives. A student-led public health campaign was conducted by Brazilian medical students from Pontifícia Universidade Católica de Campinas (PUC Campinas) in 2015, 2018, and 2023. The campaign inspired local leadership, innovation, and partnership in the fight against HIV/AIDS. This study evaluates the impact of the campaign on raising awareness about HIV/AIDS and assesses its effectiveness as a model for similar initiatives worldwide. Methods: The campaign was organized by medical students from PUC Campinas who were members of the International Federation of Medical Students Associations (IFMSA). It was developed iteratively over the years, with data collection and evaluation informing subsequent program modifications. The students received specialized training on HIV/AIDS prior to distributing relevant educational materials. On the final day of the campaign, students wore red ribbons or shirts and engaged in conversations with individuals in public settings such as parks, bus stations, and malls. Participants in the conversations were ultimately provided information on HIV/AIDS prevention, disease, and treatment, and their knowledge was assessed through pre- and post-campaign questionnaires. Results: Among the 3150 individuals approached during the campaigns, 78% had limited knowledge about HIV testing and AIDS symptoms. Following the campaign, 88% of participants considered their knowledge about rapid tests and AIDS symptoms to be satisfactory. These findings demonstrate the campaign's positive impact on improving awareness and understanding among participants. Conclusion: This study highlights the impact of a student-led public health campaign on HIV knowledge and awareness. The campaign effectively addressed the lack of information among both students and participants, resulting in improved knowledge about topics including rapid tests and AIDS symptoms. These findings underscore the importance of educational initiatives in healthcare training and provide insights for future curriculum development to enhance public health awareness and education.