AEGiS-11IAC: National response towards HIV/AIDS awareness and testing campaign.

11th International AIDS Conference

Vancouver, British Columbia — July 7-12, 1996

National response towards HIV/AIDS awareness and testing campaign.

Int Conf AIDS 1996 Jul 7-12; 11:486 (abstract no. Pub.D.1310)
Garcia R, Cespedes JE, Klaskala W, Baum M; Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Miami, FL, USA. Fax: (305) 243-4687.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the level of national awareness and perception related to prevention of HIV infection. At the same time promote nationwide campaign on confidential HIV testing and counseling.

METHODS: During a period of two months in 1994, the Colombian Ministry of Health conducted an information campaign on HIV/AIDS through mass media (radio, TV. newspapers). Voluntary, free and confidential HIV testing was offered. Those who responded to campaign and decided to be tested for HIV, were required to complete a self-administered survey questionnaire, that included clinical past history, risk behavior assessment and current knowledge and attitudes toward HIV/AIDS.

RESULTS: Reply was received from 130,000 individuals who were also tested for HIV. 55% were men and 45% women. More than 4% of responses were from rural areas. Median age was 28 years. Mean age for first sexual encounter was 16 years. Over 80% of respondents felt that they had a relatively good knowledge about HIV/AIDS. Sexual activity without using condoms was widely accepted by 70% of respondents. In general, negative attitudes against condoms were common, independent of age, socioeconomic status and area of residence. Most of the men (70%) who had steady sex partner reported having sexual relations outside their steady relationship without using condoms. Over 50% of male respondents reported that they would agree to use condoms if women asked for it.

CONCLUSIONS: Results show the high sexual activity and promiscuity among the teenagers/ young adults, and lack of effective sexual education. Majority of those surveyed are not protecting themselves adequately against contracting HIV and other STDs. Unprotected sex, especially among adolescents, provides fertile ground for dramatic increase of HIV infection. Results of this survey indicate the need for an aggressive prevention and education program that should be started prior to adolescence.

Keywords: AEGIS, Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome, Condoms, HIV Infections, Sexually Transmitted Diseases, Sexual Partners, Questionnaires, Human, Male, Female, Adolescence, Adult, ICA11

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