AEGiS-09IAC: The behavioral context of STD/HIV risk in a Central African town.

9th International AIDS Conference

Berlin, Germany — June 6-11, 1993

The behavioral context of STD/HIV risk in a Central African town.

Int Conf AIDS 1993 Jun 6-11; 9:127 (abstract no. WS-D24-4)
Lansky AL, Biampeng M, Doutizonga R, Samba A, Nzoumbou E, Akoumbangba E; Centers for Disease Controls, Atlanta, GA.

Behavior change is an integral component of STD/HIV prevention and control. In order to effect behavior change, it is necessary to identify risky behaviors, the social and environmental contexts in which they occur, and underlying attitudes and beliefs.

OBJECTIVE: To assess STD-related knowledge, attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors among the population of a Central African town.

METHODS: Qualitative methods, including semi-structured interviews, observations, and focus groups, were used to collect information from STD clinic patients (N = 46) and providers (N = 5), and from other community residents (N = 57).

RESULTS: Knowledge about STDs, particularly about their sequelae if left untreated, was high. STD patients had fewer misconceptions about transmission and treatment than students, workers, and prenatal patients than among STD patients. All groups frequently cited monogamy as an effective means of prevention, yet social norms and customs were supportive of multiple sex partners. Respondents reported that they and their peers used condoms infrequently. These self-reported data were corroborated by high rates of STD diagnosed at the clinic.

CONCLUSIONS: This formative research identified the social and environmental factors which facilitate the maintainance of risky behaviors among a Central African population. A community-level STD/HIV prevention program will be developed from these findings.

Keywords: AEGIS, Sexually Transmitted Diseases, Condoms, Sexual Partners, Residence Characteristics, Culture, Students, Ambulatory Care Facilities, Negroid Race, Attitude to Health, Interviews, Human, ICA9
930606
WSD244