AEGiS-14IAC: Hiv/Aids awareness and information, base of prevention?

14th International AIDS Conference

Barcelona, Spain - July 7-12, 2002

Hiv/Aids awareness and information, base of prevention?

Int Conf AIDS 2002 Jul 7-12; 14:(abstract no. F11781)

Jambrino ML, Viegas HJ, Cabrera PD, Gonzalez EG, Di E, Lascares GD, Colonna SM
O.F.E.S. (Organizacion Familiares Enfrentando al Sida), Rosario, Argentina

ISSUES: 20 years of HIV/AIDS world epidemic tought us that lack of information and interest in it are the most important factors of the illness spreading. O.F.E.S. (Families Confronting Aids Organisation) knowing this from our information line and the counseling and detection area proposed a study of the amount of knowledge in Rosario City.

DESCRIPTION: Through and 8 item questionnaire about HIV/AIDS ways of transmission, we obtained information from a diverse population from every area of the City. Every error or doubt in the answers were clarified after the activity. Lessons leardned: 98% of the tested population knows about the risks of syringe sharing and unsafe sex; 89% knows about unsafe tattooing; 20% knows about vertical transmission; 40% doesn't think oral sex is risky; 20% doesn't know which fluids contain HIV; for 21% AIDS affects some groups; 60% has never been tested for HIV serology. RECOMMENDATION: We still find the idea of risky groups instead of risky conducts, and in general the information tested people have is confusing. Continuous and deep campaigns aimed to build conscience about HIV/AIDS are required, including NGOs of this field in their plannification and construction so as to take advantage of their knowledge of the community.

Keywords: AEGIS, Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome, HIV Infections, HIV Seropositivity, Sex Behavior, Awareness, Disease Outbreaks, Safe Sex, prevention & control

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