Introduction:
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) causes progressive deterioration of immune system function, which leads to development of acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). During a period from 1993 to 2017, there was a growing number of HIV infections in Poland who become infected through sexual contacts. The main aim of the study was to evaluate the state of knowledge of Polish medical and non-medical universities students on HIV/AIDS prevention, routes of HIV transmission, and consequences of progressive weakening of immune system. Another purpose was to educate on the above-mentioned issues.

Material and methods:
Students of various Polish universities received electronic questionnaires comprising 19 questions, with 16 closed (single-choice, true/false), 2 open, and 1 closed multiple-choice question. This anonymous questionnaire had been created for the present study.

Results:
A total of 864 questionnaires were completed, with 28.9% done by medical university students and 71.1% by non-medical university students. Questions answered incorrectly by most of the respondents included those on life expectancy of HIV-positive individuals. Questions on HIV transmission via breastfeeding and difference in susceptibility to HIV infection in males and females also proved to be challenging.

Conclusions:
The extent of knowledge on HIV transmission and HIV infection prevention among students at Polish universities is insufficient despite wide accessibility of reliable, accurate information. There is a need for more widespread propagation of HIV-related information, particularly on the relationship between HIV infection and life expectancy, breastfeeding by HIV-positive mothers, and gender-dependent difference in the risk of HIV infection.