A survey of knowledge about AIDS and sexual behavior in sexually active men in Mae Sot, Tak, Thailand
Swaddiwudhipong, W.; Nguntra, P.; Lerdlukanavonge, P.; Chaovakiratipong, C.; Koonchote, S.
Southeast Asian Journal of Tropical Medicine and Public Health 21(3): 447-452
1990
ISSN/ISBN: 0125-1562 PMID: 2075486 Document Number: 375437
A survey of 15-34 year old men in Mae Sot, Tak, was conducted in December 1989 to determine their knowledge about AIDS, HIV transmission, and sexual behavior to guide future AIDS prevention programs. A total of 172 men from the municipality (urban) and 311 men from the surrounding villages (rural) were interviewed. More than 90% of both groups possessed knowledge about the existing modes of HIV transmission, however, there were some who had the mistaken belief that AIDS can be spread by mosquito bites, using public toilets, or through various forms of casual contact. These misconceptions in the community underscore the need for more education designed to counteract them. Although nearly all of them knew that condoms can prevent infection, only half of the urban and one-third of the rural sexually active men had ever used a condom during their sexual intercourse with prostitutes. However, condom use increased over time. Since a number of these men first engaged in sexual intercourse at an early age, the promotion of health education about AIDS in the schools is essential.