OBJECTIVES: To determine the factors of mobility and environmental conditions which increases the vulnerability of Filipinas in Malaysia. To identify the knowledge, attitudes, beliefs and practices of Filipinas with regards to HIV/AIDS. DESIGN: Participatory research involving the target community focusing on the health, knowledge, attitudes and sexual behavior of Filipinas with regads HIV/AIDS. METHODS: A KABP was administered by Filipina interviewers trained by the NGO. Tenaganita. The research was also monitored by the NGO. 2 Focus Group Discussions, informal interviews and observations along with secondary data analysis complemented the survey. RESULTS: A high majority believed that sharing needles and sex with PWAs causes AIDS, but very few knew that HIV caused AIDS. A very small number thought that sex with multiple partners was risky behavior. Condom usage was very poor. The research also dispelled notions that Filipinas were permissive and doubled up as sex workers. Areas of future research must focus on partners and spouses at home. There is a need for more education interventions on STDS/HIV/AIDS, and condom use. Vulnerable sub-populations of Filipinas who need support are entertainers, workers in resorts and part-time sex workers. There is a need for developing pre and post departure and arrival programs for Filipinas in Malaysia.

MEETING ABSTRACTS Adult *Developing Countries Female Health Education *Housekeeping Human HIV Infections/PREVENTION & CONTROL/*TRANSMISSION Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice Malaysia Male Occupational Diseases/*ETIOLOGY/PREVENTION & CONTROL Philippines/ETHNOLOGY Risk Factors Sex Behavior *Transients and Migrants/EDUCATION

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