10th International AIDS Conference Yokohama, Japan — Aug 7-12, 1994

Int Conf AIDS 1994 Aug 7-12; 10:397 (abstract no. PD0769)
Sarda R, Shrestha DB, Kerse L, Brown T; WHO Regional Office for the Western Pacific.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the current state of research knowledge on sexual behaviours and AIDS in the countries covered by the Western Pacific Region, which includes much of Asia. To suggest future research needs and directions in each country and for the Region as a whole.

METHODOLOGY: An inventory of reports available to the Western Pacific Regional Office and a review of published literature for countries in the Region was undertaken. The information was analyzed to summarize current levels of HIV risk behaviour, sizes of populations with behavioural risk, determinants of risk, and knowledge of AIDS/HIV and its prevention.

RESULTS: (1) The level of awareness of AIDS is high in most countries with 80-90% having heard of AIDS; (2) Knowledge of sexual and intravenous transmission was uniformly high, but significant misunderstandings exist across most countries regarding casual transmission modes; (3) Reported levels of commercial and non-commercial casual heterosexual risk behaviours varied between countries, but condom use was low or moderate, and lifetime STD experience was considerable in most countries; (4) Many engaged in risk behaviours did not perceive themselves as at risk because they do not identify as members of a risk group.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: (1) The quality and quantity of available research work varies considerably from country to country; (2) A small low-cost behavioural research package for the Region allowing cross-country comparison is needed; (3) These studies must be conducted regularly with standard instruments to allow assessment of changes over time; no country does this at present; (4) There is a need to establish an ongoing inventory process and clearing house for this research work to be used by countries, regional offices and donor agencies.

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