Manchester T, Hardee K, Qi A, Yuan V, Zhenghui C; International Conference on AIDS (15th : 2004 : Bangkok, Thailand).

Int Conf AIDS. 2004 Jul 11-16; 15: abstract no. WePeD6365.

Futures Group Europe, Beijing, China

Background: China has begun to make a concerted effort to address HIV/AIDS. Understanding the general poulation's HIV/AIDS-related knowledge, behavior and attitudes is crucial for designing effective HIV/AIDS programs. Methods: In 2002 and 2003, Futures Group Europe and Horizon Research Group conducted two national studies, interviewing a combined total of 7430 urban residents ages 16 to 60, on HIV/AIDS knowledge, attitudes and behavior. Results: Most people have heard of HIV/AIDS; 90% in 2002 and 91% in 2003. In both surveys, 3% of urban residents reported knowing someone with HIV or who had died of AIDS. A small but growing percentage of people consider themselves at high risk of HIV (0.9% in 2002 and 1.6% in 2003). Knowledge of how to prevent HIV is not widespread, with fewer than half aware of the role consistent condom use plays in reducing risk of transmission (42% in 2003 compared to 29% in 2002). Less than a third of urban residents do not know consistent condom use can prevent transmission (fr om 25% in 2002 to 29% in 2003). Stigma surrounding HIV/AIDS is strong and may be growing. In 2003 only 29% agree that an HIV infected co-worker should be allowed to continue working, down from 38% in 2002. A diminishing percentage of urban residents said they would be willing to care for an HIV infected family member (53% in 2003 compared to 67% in 2002); however, 58% in 2002 said they would want the HIV status of the family member to remain secret, compared to 52% in 2003. Conclusion Discussion of HIV/AIDS is becoming more common in China as people, programs and media talk openly about it. While knowledge of HIV/AIDS is growing, much is still incorrect. International best practice suggests low levels of knowledge lead to greater levels of transmission and stigma. These unique and comprehensive annual surveys should be used as a baseline to design programs to improve knowledge of HIV/AIDS transmission and prevention, and to change attitudes towards PLWA.

Publication Types:

• Meeting Abstracts

Keywords:

• Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome
• Attitude
• China
• Europe
• HIV Infections
• HIV Seropositivity
• Humans
• Knowledge
• Safe Sex
• organization & administration

Other ID:

• GWAIDS0040064

UI: 102284280

From Meeting Abstracts