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Abstract
Knowledge and believes about HIV among seropositive women in Brazil: does it varies according to time since diagnosis?
M.F. Silveira1, I.S. Santos2, V.M. Brum1, C.L. Alves1
Background: We assessed knowledge about HIV among seropositive women in Brazil, and how it varies according to time since diagnosis.
Methods: The sample included HIV positive women aged 15 years and over, attending a clinic. Data were collected on time since the diagnosis, age, skin color, marital status, family income, knowledge about condom use and HIV/AIDS.
Results: 340 women were interviewed; 26% diagnosed less than 6 months before the interview and 38% over 3 years before. The mean age was 32.5 years; 68% were white; 32% had fewer than 4 years of schooling; and 88% had very low family income.
Regarding knowledge about how to prevent HIV, 32% of the women mentioned adequate diets, 45% having faithful partners, 18% avoiding public toilets; 97% condom use; 3% avoiding touching someone with AIDS, 5% avoiding sharing food plates; 12% avoiding mosquito bites; 97% using only disposable syringes; and 61% being faithful. 10% reported having never used condoms and 23% were of the opinion that seropositive subjects should keep it secret.
Only the belief on transmission by mosquitoes varied significantly by time since diagnosis (17% for less than 6 months against 9% for 3 years or more).
72% of the women were not advised to inform their partners about their HIV status. Observations of consultations were carried out for 5% of the women. Doctors mentioned condoms in 44% of all consultations and the need to protect sexual partners in 33%. Nevertheless, doctors did not prescribe condoms in any consultation (a prescription is required for collecting free condoms).
Conclusions: Despite being aware of their HIV contamination and attending a specialized clinic, the women presented inadequate levels of knowledge. Doctors seem to pay greater attention to the clinical aspects than to educational and preventive ones. Motivating health professionals is essential for improving knowledge among seropositive women.
AIDS 2006 - XVI International AIDS Conference
Abstract no.
CDC0284
Suggested Citation
"M.F.Silveira, et al.
Knowledge and believes about HIV among seropositive women in Brazil: does it varies according to time since diagnosis?.
:
AIDS 2006 - XVI International AIDS Conference:
Abstract no.
CDC0284"
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