AIDS knowledge in three sites in Bas-Zaire
Bertrand, J.T.; Brown, L.F.; Kinzonzi, M.; Mansilu, M.; Djunghu, B.
Aids Education and Prevention Official Publication of the International Society for Aids Education 4(3): 251-266
1992
ISSN/ISBN: 0899-9546 PMID: 1389884 Document Number: 370268
In Zaire, data on 5494 15-49 year old women living in the city of Matadi and rural Sona Bata and Nsona Mpangu in Bas-Zaire were analyzed to assess knowledge, attitudes, and practice about AIDS. Women living in Matadi and Sona Bata were more likely to be aware of AIDS than those in Nsona Mpangu (84% and 79% vs. 32%; p.001). 83% of knowledgeable women knew the 4 modes of HIV transmission, yet they also reported incorrect modes such as swelling in the same household as someone with AIDS. 50% believed that someone could have an HIV infection and not know it. 20-40 year old educated women living in Matadi had the best understanding for the latency period. Even though 75-90% of the women mentioned reducing the number of partners as a means to prevent HIV transmission, only 40% in Nsona Mpangu, 35% in Matadi, and 14% in Sona Bata mentioned condoms. Around 50% knew about them than other women regardless of residence. Wide spread fears and misconceptions about condoms existed, e.g., condoms stay in the vagina. About 1/2 did not consider themselves to be at risk of acquiring AIDS. The perceived risk was greatest among married 25-29 year old women regardless of educational status and residence. Most women learned about AIDS through the radio followed by TV. 96% wanted more information about AIDS. 52-62% of the women were willing to be tested for HIV mainly to make sure they were not infected. The other women did not want to be tested mostly because they did not believe they were infected. 91% of all women believed a woman with AIDS should not become pregnant mainly due to fear of infecting the infant. The results showed that the women were not prepared to advance beyond the 1st stage of the AIDS Risk Reduction Model--labeling sexual activities as problematic.