Knowledge, attitude and practices towards AIDS of rural population in northeast Thailand
Mahaweerawat, U.; Intarakhao, C.; Pongpaew, P.; Tungtrongchitr, R.; Kitjaroentham, A.; Phonrat, B.; Saowakontha, S.; Schelp, F.P.
Thai AIDS Journal 10(1): 10-15
1998
Document Number: 286347
Knowledge, attitude and practices of villagers in relation to AIDS and HIV infection were assessed in 3 districts of Khon Kaen province. By cluster random sampling 350 villagers (166 males, 15 to 72 years old and 184 females, 15 to 54 years of age) from 10 villages had been selected for this study. The villagers were asked by using a pre-prepared questionnaire by trained interviewers. The majority of them (95% C.I.: 86.9 to 91.7%) did know very well about the route of infection for HIV. However as far as the symptoms of AIDS has been concerned, they were less well informed (34.8%). Over 30% (32.6%) of villagers had the correct attitude towards prevention of HIV infection and almost 43% did not discriminate patients suffering from AIDS. From all villagers questioned only 36% confessed that they abstained from risky behaviours such as visiting prostitutes, having unprotected sex and drug injections. The information gained through this study might be used for further planning of HIV and AIDS control measures.