Awareness of AIDS in selected population groups from the province of Lublin
Bielec, D.; Patorska-Mach, E.; Rzeszowska, G.
Przeglad Epidemiologiczny 47(3): 263-267
1993
ISSN/ISBN: 0033-2100 PMID: 8234844 Document Number: 333930
Investigations were carried out in 1991 in 218 persons in Lublin county who were divided into 2 groups: Group I comprised 118 persons 18-25 years old, who had completed primary school, basic level trade school, or secondary school, and Group II consisted of 100 persons 40-60 years old, who had completed primary, secondary, or higher level schooling. A questionnaire asked about the probability of HIV infection in Poland, the routes and time of transmission, prevention methods, and knowledge about AIDS. Responses to the questions concerning the route of transmission were similar in both groups: sexual intercourse, use of narcotics, needle prick conveying blood of infected person, blood transfusion, maternal-fetal exchange, childbirth, and breast-feeding. Group II more frequently indicated the possibility of infection through sharing food, kisses, working together, riding the bus, and shaking hands with an infected person. Transmission of HIV by insects was asserted by 26.3% of Group I and 38% of Group II. Regarding transmission from persons with negative test results, 7.6% of respondents in Group I and 9.0% in Group II stated that it was possible to get infected from them, while 59.3% and 79.0%, respectively said it was not. As to prevention of HIV infection, 76.2% in Group I and 42% in Group II advocated the use of condoms, 59.3% and 44%, respectively, stated the need for a steady partner and avoidance a casual partners, 33.1% and 24.0%, respectively, mentioned single uses of medical instruments, but only 3.4% and 0%, respectively, referred to avoiding contact with blood. Familiarity with the topic of AIDS before filling out the questionnaires was reported by 61.9% in Group I and 59.0% in Group II. Basic sources of knowledge were derived from television, radio, press, specialist brochures, lectures, and acquaintances. The topic of AIDS was of interest to 83.1% in Group I and 71.0% in Group II. Regarding acceptance of an HIV-infected person in their vicinity, 40.7% in Group I said yes vs. 30.0% in Group II; while 44.1% and 63.0%, respectively, said no.