AEGiS-07IAC: Attitudes toward persons with AIDS and public information needs in the Dominican Republic, 1990.

7th International AIDS Conference


Florence, Italy — June 16-21, 1991

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Attitudes toward persons with AIDS and public information needs in the Dominican Republic, 1990.

Int Conf AIDS 1991 Jun 16-21; 7:450 (abstract no. W.D.4250)
Hasbun J, Hornik R, Pareja R, De Moya EA; COMPUMETODO

OBJECTIVES: To explore AIDS knowledge, risk behavior, attitudes toward persons with AIDS and information needs in the general population, nationwide.

METHODS: 300 men and 300 women were interviewed in a general adult population KABP study through a multiphasic sampling method. A questionnaire appraised AIDS knowledge and awareness, risk behavior, attitudes toward personal exposure to HIV and persons with AIDS, and information needs.

RESULTS: Current knowledge is nearly universal in terms of modes of transmission, incubation period, and asymptomatic nature of infection. Nonetheless three-fourths believe in the possibility of transmission by mosquito bites and about half of fomites shared with persons with AIDS. Sixty-eight percent reported AIDS as the most serious health problem in the country and almost half has known someone with AIDS. Half disagreed to allow children visiting persons with AIDS. About 14% admitted they have had some risk behavior in last 3 years. Educational campaign messages have reached 80% of population.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: Casual transmission of HIV and isolation of persons with AIDS from children seem to be the two cognitive contents most resilient to change. The interpretive frame of reference of other infectious diseases may account for this fact.

Keywords: AEGIS, Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome, Health Services Needs and Demand, Attitude, Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice, HIV Infections, HIV, Attitude to Health, Public Opinion, HIV-1, Questionnaires, Dominican Republic, Interviews, Attitude of Health Personnel, Communication, Human, Female, Male, Adult, Child, transmission, ICA7
910616
WD4250

Copyright © 1991 - International AIDS Society (IAS). Reproduction of this abstract (other than one copy for personal reference) must be cleared through the IAS.