AIDS Knowledge and Risk Behaviors Among Alcoholic Adults

Fifty adults enrolled in an inner-city alcoholism clinic were interviewed to determine their knowledge about HIV/AIDS and transmission routes and to clarify their behavioral risk factors. Findings revealed that the sample had fairly good to excellent HIV/ AIDS knowledge. They possessed considerable misinformation about correct condom use, however, and knowledge levels were not correlated significantly with safer sexual practices. Men, younger women, and drinking clients engaged in more high risk sexual activities than did other respondents. The survey's findings have implications for AIDS prevention efforts with this population: (1) Assessment of differential HIV/AIDS risk factors should be incorporated routinely into alcoholism counseling; (2) interventions must be individualized to address specific risk factors and client beliefs; (3) specific skill development strategies that address negotiations in sexual encounters and which teach correct condom use should be added to AIDS information programs; and, (4) alcohol and other drug use must be linked explicitly to continued risk for HIV infection.     

Knowledge, attitudes, and experience regarding HIV/AIDS among older adult inner-city Latinos

Although Latinos, now the largest minority group in the U.S., comprise 13% of the population, they represent 18% of all new HIV and AIDS cases. This disproportionate representation also appears among older adult Latinos. Semi-structured interviews with 45 inner-city Spanish speaking older adult Latinos provide new data regarding HIV/AIDS among this largely ignored but at risk population. Findings indicate that approximately two thirds of the sample ascribed to at least one myth regarding viral transmission (e.g., via mosquito bites; using public toilets) and less than half were aware of age and gender specific risk factors (e.g., increased mortality and side-effects from antiviral medication; greater risk of contracting HIV through intercourse among older women). Women were significantly less likely to have experience with condoms than men, and machismo, lack of perceived risk, and perceived ineffectiveness were identified as potential barriers to condom use. Recommendations are offered for the design of culturally sensitive, primary prevention programs for this older Latino population.     

Aids knowledge and risk behaviors among Midwest migrant farm workers.

The objectives of this study were to investigate the AIDS/HIV knowledge of Latino adolescent and adult migrant farm workers in Michigan, to determine risk behaviors related to HIV, and to determine differences in generational norms regarding sexual activity. For the most part, the Latino migrant population seemed knowledgeable about sexual modes of HIV transmission, although casual contact, through kissing and going to school or work with an infected individual, was also seen as a possible route of transmission for some. Several condom beliefs were identified that may be barriers to use, including the beliefs that condoms are only for use with prostitutes (35 % agreed) and that condoms are only for gay men (54% agreed). Only a small proportion (10%) agreed that condoms were good protection from AIDS. Most respondents knew what condoms were, although only 51% of the sample knew friends who used them. Adolescent females in the camps generally disapproved of premarital sex, while males and older females were more accepting. All these factors make it pertinent to implement HIV/AIDS education programs that are culturally sensitive, gender-specific, and effective in both generations.     

Family, cultural and gender role aspects in the context of HIV risk among African American women of unidentified HIV status: an exploratory qualitative study

This was an exploratory, qualitative study of contextual cultural and social realities of the sexual interactions of a representative sample of African American women of unidentified HIV status. The study expanded our understanding of family and gender role variables by exploring influences of family of origin and idealistic perceptions of roles on sexual relationships. Data was collected on 51 African American women who were recruited through probability sampling. Between 39% and 70% of study participants reported at least one of the following HIV risk factors: low condom use, substance use during sex, partner's incarceration and history of abuse. Nonetheless, all women in our study perceived their chances of HIV infection to be almost non-existent, despite a fairly good knowledge of HIV/AIDS modes of transmission including that anyone could become HIV infected, knowing somebody with HIV/AIDS and acknowledgment, among some, of their partner's infidelity and risk behaviors. Our analysis revealed that parental communications about sexuality in relationships focused largely on trust (being mistrustful of men) and women's control of their sexual impulses. Trust was also emphasized (desired) by women in the discussions of gender roles. Women reported a strong reliance on God and made frequent references to the role of the church in HIV prevention. Our findings offer suggestions for HIV prevention for the general population of African American women. HIV-prevention messages that consider their views of relationships, gender roles, sexual abuse history and the role of the church are suggested.     

Demographic and attitudinal variables related to high-risk behaviors in Asian males who have sex with other men

Although AIDS is spreading rapidly in minority communities, little is known about attitudes, knowledge, and behavior related to AIDS and HIV in the Asian community. The purpose of this study was to examine these variables in a sample of gay Asian males, as well as to investigate the relationship between knowledge, sources of information, culturally influenced attitudes and high-risk behaviors in this population. Results from a sample of 60 young Asian men who self-identified as "having sex with other men" indicated they were generally knowledgeable about methods of transmission and prevention, and appeared linked to a large information network that included informal sources such as peers and formal sources. However, significant percentages held culturally biased views of AIDS, such as believing race of partner or one's own gender role in the sexual encounter determined level of risk; and one third of the sample did not use condoms regularly. Having been tested for HIV was associated with holding less traditional cultural beliefs and a higher sexual activity level. Open communication about safer sexual practices was associated with monogamous as opposed to multiple relationships and with decreased tendency to engage in alcohol-related unprotected sex. Variance in overall risk was predicted by demographic variables such as education, age, and level of sexual activity, rather than by the attitudinal factors measured. Limitations of this exploratory study include a time-limited subject recruitment period and consequent small sample size, a homogeneous sample weighted toward young, well-educated, and middle-class respondents, and the exclusion of non-English speaking individuals. Nevertheless, study findings suggest that educational outreach targeting Asians who have sex with other men needs to address inaccurate cultural beliefs about HIV/AIDS, emphasize consistent condom use, and encourage models of open communication with partners about safer sexual practices.     

Understanding of the risk of HIV infection among the elderly in Ga-Rankuwa,South Africa

Abstract

The literature pertaining to the elderly shows that HIV infection among this population is on the increase, suggesting that the elderly population engages in activities risky for HIV infection. Reports on such behaviour include frequent sexual relations with much younger people and having multiple partners. A study was carried out in Ga-Rankuwa, a black township in Gauteng Province, South Africa to explore and describe the understanding of these elderly people regarding their risks of HIV infection and AIDS. Using a qualitative, exploratory design, three focus-group interviews were conducted with 32 women aged over 50 years. Findings revealed that older persons have knowledge about transmission of HIV infection and AIDS. However, a few had misconceptions as to how HIV infection is transmitted, as they believed that poor nutrition and sharing facilities play a role. Knowledge of mechanisms of protecting themselves against infection, such as use of a condom during coitus and wearing gloves when caring for infected family members, was also evident. The elderly indicated that they would prefer an older person, who they could identify with, to educate them more about HIV infection and AIDS. Although majority of participants had knowledge of how HIV is transmitted, and issues that put them at risk of transmission, a few the older persons had misconceptions about how HIV is transmitted due to lack of knowledge, as they believed that poor nutrition and sharing facilities can transmit infection. The lack of knowledge underscores the importance of addressing sexual risk with older people. It was very clear that more needs to be done in terms of education campaigns to dispel the myths of HIV infection and to empower the elderly.     

Knowledge, attitudes, and perceived risk of AIDS among urban Rwandan women: relationship to HIV infection and behavior change.

We examined factors associated with perceived risk of AIDS, behavior change, and HIV infection in a representative sample of 1458 child-bearing urban women in Rwanda, central Africa. Although 68% of women reported only one lifetime partner, and the majority (87%) lived with a husband or steady partner, the prevalence of HIV antibodies was still high (32%). Before receiving their HIV test results, the women completed a questionnaire about AIDS knowledge, attitudes, and practices. Knowledge about HIV transmission was high, with 96-98% of women correctly identifying the three primary routes of infection. However, only 16% of women reported taking any action to avoid AIDS in the previous year, and most (11%) had done so merely by asking their male partners to change their behavior. Only 7% of women had ever tried condoms, and many (68%) thought they could be dangerous to use. Women who perceived themselves at risk of AIDS (57%) were more likely to report changing behavior; they were also more likely to be infected with HIV. Other factors associated with behavior change included having known someone with AIDS, having discussed AIDS with a male partner, and believing that condoms are not dangerous. Future interventions should enhance perception of risk, encourage male sexual partners to reduce risky behavior, and increase familiarity with condoms.     

Perception of HIV/AIDS risk among urban, low-income senior-housing residents.

Despite the rising number of cases of HIV in adults over age 50, older persons rarely are considered to be at risk for HIV/AIDS, and even though they may be involved in risky behavior, such as unprotected penetrative sex, they may not consider themselves vulnerable to becoming infected. Informed awareness of risk is essential to making positive decisions about adopting preventive measures. We examined demographic, sociobehavioral, and contextual factors that predict urban, low-income older adults' perception of HIV/AIDS risk. Logistic regression results from 398 residents aged 50-93 living in six buildings in two American cities found that males, younger participants (aged 50-61), those living in higher risk buildings, and those who worried more about contracting HIV/AIDS were more likely to perceive themselves to be at HIV/AIDS risk. Findings accounted for 32% of the variance and the prediction success rate was 72%. Results point to the importance of considering sociodemographic characteristics and environmental (contextual) factors as they influence heuristic decision making in understanding HIV/AIDS risk perception among low-income urban older adults and when designing HIV/AIDS education and intervention strategies targeting this population.     

Providers not diagnosing HIV in older women

Females over the age of fifty are the invisible victims of the HIV epidemic. The Federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that ten percent of all women diagnosed with AIDS by June 1994 were over fifty years of age. Midlife-and-older women with AIDS are not being diagnosed until late in the disease process, sometimes after death. CDC statistics show that the mode of transmission is changing. Women in these age groups are acquiring the disease through heterosexual contact, rather than transfusions. The difficulty remains with the health care providers who are often not adequately prepared to diagnose and treat midlife-and-older women with HIV/AIDS. A seminar, co-sponsored by the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) and the Center for Women's Policy Studies (CWPS), has raised several issues regarding HIV in older women. Many behavioral and physiological risk factors are overlooked. In addition, diagnosis and treatment of HIV infection in older women is complicated by other aging factors, and socioeconomic and cultural factors limit access to care and treatment. The AARP and CWPS recommend developing programs to educate physicians about primary and secondary HIV prevention counseling. They also recommend developing partnerships with institutions that have access to older women in order to transmit prevention messages.     

Awareness of HIV/AIDS and household environment of pregnant women in Pune, India

Our objective was to determine the level of HIV/AIDS knowledge of pregnant women in India. In a sub-sample of these women, we documented the extent to which they experienced adverse social and physical difficulties within their home. The study was performed at an urban antenatal hospital clinic in Maharastra, India. From April to September 2001, structured interviews were conducted on 707 randomly selected antenatal clinic patients related to HIV/AIDS knowledge. Of these, 283 were further interviewed to document any social or physical difficulties they experienced. Over 75% of women displayed knowledge of primary transmission routes. Nearly 70% of women demonstrated knowledge of maternal to child transmission, however, only 8% knew of any methods of prevention. TV and written material were more strongly related to knowledge than access to radio messages or conversations with individuals. Thirty per cent of the women experienced physical or mental abuse or their spouse's alcohol and/or drug problems. Women reporting such abuse were more than twice as likely to have adequate HIV/AIDS knowledge compared with women reporting no such abuse. We found no relationship between reported household abuse and educational level of woman, husband, occupation of either partner, language or religion. We found no relationship between HIV status and knowledge of HIV and no relationship between HIV status and risk of abuse in the household. However, the total number of HIV patients in our sample was very small.     

Bisexual behavior among Chinese young migrant men who have sex with men: implications for HIV prevention and intervention

Data from 307 young migrant men who have sex with men (MSM) in Beijing were analyzed to examine bisexual behavior and the associated sociodemographic and behavioral factors among Chinese young migrant MSM. More than one-fourth (27%) of the MSM were also concurrently engaged in sexual behavior with women (MSMW). Among MSMW, 8.4% were infected with HIV, and 10.8% with Syphilis, compared to 4.9% and 23.7%, respectively, among men who have sex with men only (MSM-only). Various HIV-related risk behaviors among MSMW were similar to those of MSM-only, such as unprotected anal sex, multiple sexual partners, involvement in commercial sex, and substance use. Compared with MSM-only, MSMW were less likely to have tested for HIV, to participate in HIV prevention activities, and were less knowledgeable about condom use and HIV/AIDS. MSMW also had a higher rate of unprotected sex with female stable sexual partners than with male stable sexual partners (79.5% vs. 59.5%). Results indicated that MSMW were at a very high risk for both HIV infection and transmission. Intervention efforts are needed to target this subgroup of MSM and promote AIDS knowledge and HIV/STD testing among MSMW, and to reduce HIV transmission through MSM's bisexual behavior.     

Women migrant workers' vulnerability to HIV infection in Hong Kong

Research on population mobility and HIV/AIDS risk among migrant populations is quite limited, and research on migrant women workers' vulnerability is further limited. Hong Kong, the Special Administrative Region of China, has currently about 200,000 women migrant workers working as domestic helps. This paper reports migrant women worker's access to AIDS-related health information and health care facilities, perceptions about vulnerability, and risk behaviour profile. Data was collected through a pre-tested questionnaire from a random sample of 2,010 women migrant workers. A majority of the migrant women workers (63.6%) have been living and working in Hong Kong for between 4-10 years. Fifty-four per cent of the respondents felt that being a female they were vulnerable to HIV infection. Overall, the knowledge regarding HIV/AIDS and its route of transmission is inadequate amongst the migrant women workers in Hong Kong. It appears that AIDS-related information education and communication needs of women migrants workers are not met by the current HIV prevention and care activities in Hong Kong. The study indicates that migrant women workers who experienced sexual violence (9%) in Hong Kong perceive themselves to be 'at risk' of HIV infection. Seventy per cent of the respondents reported that they have felt discriminated against in Hong Kong, of which 42% felt discriminated against in Hong Kong hospitals. Addressing discrimination in health care settings is an essential element of AIDS prevention. The discussion urges researchers and policy makers to pay more attention to the vulnerability of migrant women workers.     

AIDS risk knowledge, attitudes, and behavioral intentions among multi-ethnic adolescents.

The purpose of this study was to determine how much young adolescents know about AIDS and AIDS risk and to identify areas of confusion that might serve as important targets of educational intervention. A multiethnic (43% white, 33% black, 18% Latino) sample of 303 seventh-grade students (48% male) in 3 schools in the greater New York area completed questionnaires assessing knowledge, attitudes, and behavioral intentions concerning AIDS and AIDS risk. Consistent with previous studies with older adolescents, the major finding in this study was that young adolescents had a high degree of knowledge concerning AIDS and AIDS risk. There were 2 areas of confusion concerning AIDS risk. Specifically, 31% of adolescents did not correctly identify "not having sex" as the most effective way of preventing AIDS, and 33% believed that AIDS could be spread through casual contact. Findings are discussed in terms of their implications for prevention.     

中国城市妇女AIDS知识 态度 行为情况调查

目的　了解中国城市妇女对艾滋病 (AIDS)知识、态度及行为现况 ,为制定中国妇女预防与控制AIDS的工作方针与策略提供依据。方法　随机选择 8个AIDS流行率不同的省 ,采取分层整群抽样方式 ,每省抽取 1个城市的 15～ 49岁城市妇女 10 0人 ,共计 80 0人。主要了解中国城市妇女AIDS相关知识、态度、行为的现况 ,AIDS流行及潜在的危险行为因素等。结果　有效表 792份 ( 99 0 % )。 ( 1) 90 %以上的调查对象对性交和输血途径传播AIDS有正确认识 ,而 2 0 %调查对象对母婴传播途径缺乏认识 ;近 1/ 2的调查对象对蚊虫叮咬、干吻等非传播途径存在错误认识 ;( 2 )对艾滋病病毒感染者 (HIV)是否需要隔离 ,是否应继续学习或工作 ,回答正确率仅为 2 7 1%和5 5 3 % ,表明人们对AIDS存在歧视甚至恐惧认识 ;( 3 ) 6 9%的调查对象认为少量毒品对人无危害 ;11 9%的调查对象周围有朋友吸毒 ;0 4%的调查对象明确表示吸毒 ;0 7%的调查对象有吸毒史 (其中 0 0 8%静脉吸毒 ) ;0 7%调查对象的丈夫有吸毒史 (其中 0 0 4%为静脉吸毒 ) ;( 4) 1 1%的调查对象有婚外性伴侣 ;2 5 %拒绝回答该问题 ;( 5 )有 77 7%的调查对象采取宫内节育器及结扎等避孕措施 ,仅 6 2 %调查对象每次性生活都用安全套 ;( 6) 10 8%的调查对象存在生     

Effectiveness of HIV counseling services on knowledge, attitude, behavior and practice (KABP) among pregnant women attending PPTCT program

Counseling services is an important component of National AIDS Control Program which aims at creating awareness and promoting changes in reducing high risk behavior against HIV/AIDS. Pregnant women attending antenatal clinics are being counseled about HIV/AIDS under prevention of parent to child transmission (PPTCT) program. The objective of this study was to assess (KABP) regarding HIV/AIDS among pregnant women attending PPTCT program before and after counseling at Lok Nayak Hospital, New Delhi. A Quasi-experimental study was conducted. Data was collected by interviewing 600 pregnant women attending ANC clinic during May 2006 to May 2007 using a pre-test and post-test interview schedule. About 69.2% of the pregnant women had heard about AIDS before the counseling. Knowledge regarding mother to child transmission of HIV was 53.5%. 38.2% knew that mother to child transmission can be reduced by drugs. The knowledge of pregnant women about AIDS was significantly different in pre-test (mean score = 15.3) and post test (mean score = 35.6) (P < 0.0001). Attitude of study participants towards people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) indicated that individuals with HIV should be allowed to work (79.9%) and all commercial sex workers should compulsorily be tested for HIV (55.1%). There was significant difference between in pre-test and post-test attitude about PLWHA and HIV testing (p < 0.0001). The condom use among the study participants significantly improved after counseling (1.2% in pre-test and 58.6% after counseling) (p < 0.0001). Counseling services were effective in increasing knowledge and changes in attitude and behavior among pregnant women and the efforts needs to be sustained.     

AIDS knowledge in three sites in Bas-Zaire.

This study surveyed 5,494 women in one urban and two rural sites of Bas-Zaire on their knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding AIDS. The AIDS Risk Reduction Model (ARRM) was used to analyze the results to better understand factors that may be related to motivation for behavior change. The results show that there are considerable barriers to achieving the first stage of the 3-stage model. Most notably, only a third of the women believed they were at risk of getting AIDS. Those aged 25-29, educated, and married felt themselves to be most at risk. Results are compared to other knowledge, attitudes, and practices studies conducted in Zaire. Policy implications of these results are discussed.     

Targeting the audience for AIDS messages by actual and perceived risk.

Since there are many ways to segment an audience into target groups, we suggest that a productive strategy for AIDS education is to divide the audience by their actual and perceived risk. We provide an example in which we segmented an urban U.S. sample and make suggestions as to how messages appropriate for each group can be constructed. In our sample, the "unthreatened" accurately assessed their low risk of AIDS, and showed high knowledge and tolerance rates. The "panicked," who included more women and Hispanics, inaccurately thought themselves at high risk because of misunderstandings about the causes of AIDS, and showed more intolerance of people with AIDS. "Deniers" continued to have multiple sexual partners and take precautions irregularly, despite seeing AIDS as a social problem and having more education and AIDS knowledge. In contrast, "gamblers" recognized their higher risk of AIDS and were most likely to have taken some action, although not enough to prevent sexual transmission of the HIV virus.     

Correlates of knowledge of prevention of sexually transmitted diseases among primary school pupils in Tanzania

In this paper we attempt to identify factors that determine knowledge on prevention of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) among primary school pupils in Tanzania using data extracted from the Family Life Education KAP Survey conducted in 1999. The data used consist of a sample of 18,564 pupils (about 50% males and 50% females) from all the 20 regions of Tanzania mainland. There were significant differences between boys and girls as regards knowledge of family life education in general. Boys tended to be more knowledgeable than girls about many aspects of family life education. The findings show that only 40.1% of the respondents were able to identify all the three STDs given in the questionnaire namely gonorrhoea, syphilis and AIDS. As regards modes of HIV transmission only 37.5% had full knowledge of these, while 48.8% knew condom use and abstinence as methods of STD prevention. The bivariate analysis showed significant relationships between knowledge of condom use and abstinence as methods of STD prevention with knowledge of STDs, HIV transmission, education level of the respondents, residence and parents' education for both boys and girls. However, knowledge of STDs, HIV transmission and residence came out clearly in the logistic regression as predictors of knowledge of condom use as a method of STD prevention for both sexes. For males, mother's education was also a significant predictor of knowledge of condom use as a method of STD prevention. Furthermore, a significant predictor of knowledge of condom use for female respondents was found to be the respondent's educational level. On the other hand, predictors of knowledge of abstinence as a method of STD prevention were knowledge of STDs and HIV transmission.     

昆明市流动人口艾滋病相关知识和性行为的调查

目的评估昆明市艾滋病宣传教育的效果,为修订和完善流动人口艾滋病预防工作方案提供依据。方法在流动人口集中的行业,采用整群抽样的方法进行问卷调查。结果流动人口艾滋病知识知晓率为81.4%,对传播途径知识的知晓程度(84.3%)高于对预防知识(76.1%)的知晓程度;流动人口的多性伴比例与文化程度呈反比,表现出"无知者无畏"的特点。低龄、低文化程度、艾滋病知识缺乏、多性伴、低安全套使用率,是流动人口感染艾滋病的危险因素。结论流动人口对艾滋病知识的掌握还不全面,建筑业民工和餐馆服务员是预防艾滋病的重点人群,为达到提高安全套使用率的目标,同伴教育和安全套的提供是保证行为改变得以实现的必要措施。     

Gender differences in behavioural and psychosocial predictors of HIV testing and return for test results in a high-risk population

We assessed gender differences in psychosocial and behavioural predictors of HIV testing and returning for results in a high-risk sample of 1,049 predominately minority, impoverished, homeless and/or drug-abusing women (n = 621) and men (n = 428). Predictors included latent variables representing injection drug use, self-esteem, social support, AIDS knowledge, poor access to health services, perceived risk for AIDS, sexual risk behaviour and the mediators of positive and negative coping styles. Significant predictors of test and return for women included injection drug use, greater social support, more AIDS knowledge, a higher perceived risk for AIDS and a positive coping style. Significant predictors for the men included injection drug use, greater AIDS knowledge, a higher perceived risk for AIDS and a positive coping style. Although greater social support was not significant for the men, the significant predictors of HIV testing and return were generally similar for the men and women. However, the men evaluated their risk of AIDS significantly lower than the women, although they reported more sexual risk behaviours and equally risky injection drug use behaviours. Results suggest that interventions designed to increase AIDS knowledge, to raise the perception of risk and to promote a positive coping style would be effective in encouraging more HIV testing for both men and women, but raising perceptions of what constitutes personal risk behaviours may need special emphasis when delivering prevention programmes to men.