Oelman B, Jaiteh KO, Cham MK, Njie AB, Baldeh S, Wilkins HA; International Conference on AIDS.
Int Conf AIDS. 1989 Jun 4-9; 5: 712 (abstract no. M.D.P.12).
Epidemiology and Statistics Unit, Banjul, The Gambia
OBJECTIVE: To establish the level of awareness of AIDS and the level of knowledge of basic risk factors and avoidance measures in a predominantly rural and illiterate West African population. METHOD: 1704 people (796 males and 908 females) aged 15 and over attending a sample of 12 health facilities throughout The Gambia were questioned on their knowledge of AIDS, risk factors and methods of avoiding infection. The subjects were randomly selected and did not include just those attending for treatment but also women attending ante-natal and infant welfare clinics. RESULTS: 696 (87%) males and 423 (47%) females claimed to have heard of AIDS. About 20% and 45% respectively of these males and females were unable to identify any methods of transmission or any means of avoiding infection. Thus only 70% of males and 30% of females had any real knowledge. Virtually all those with knowledge were able to correctly identify heterosexual intercourse as the major mode of transmission. Very few could identify other means. Prostitutes/others with many partners were seen as high risk groups. Not associating with them was understood as the best way of avoiding AIDS. CONCLUSION: Although some effort has been put into health education in The Gambia there still remains a relatively low level of awareness of AIDS and associated risk factors - females had much less knowledge than males.
Publication Types:
Keywords:
- Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome
- Africa
- Female
- Gambia
- Health Education
- Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice
- Humans
- Infant
- Knowledge
- Male
- Risk Factors
- methods
- transmission
Other ID:
UI: 102179637
From Meeting Abstracts