Knowledge, attitudes and practices on HIV/AIDS and prevalence of HIV in the general population of Sucre, Bolivia

Background: To analyse knowledge, attitudes and sexual practices on HIV/AIDS, and estimate HIV prevalence among residents of Sucre (Bolivia).Methodology: Population-based survey of residents aged 15-49 randomly selected during 2008/2009. Blood samples were collected on Whatman-filter paper and tested with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Knowledge on HIV/AIDS, sexual risk practices and discriminatory attitudes against people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) were modelled with multiple logistic regression.Results: Of 1499 subjects, 59% were women. All subjects were HIV-negative. Inadequate knowledge of HIV/AIDS transmission and prevention was observed in 67% and risk factors varied by gender (interaction p-value < 0.05). Discriminatory attitudes were displayed by 85% subjects; associated factors were: rural residence, low educational level and low income. Unsafe sex was reported by 10%; risk factors varied by residence area (interaction p-value < 0.05). In urban areas, risk factors were male sex, younger age and being in common-law union.Conclusions: Prevalence of HIV infection is very low and unsafe sex is relatively uncommon. Inadequate knowledge on HIV/AIDS and discriminatory attitudes towards PLWHA are extremely high and are associated to gender, ethnic and economic inequalities.

Conocimientos sobre VIH/sida en un grupo de embarazadas VIH(+)

OBJETIVO: Determinar el grado de conocimiento sobre VIH/SIDA en mujeres embarazadas VIH(+). MATERIALES Y MÉTODOS: El universo estuvo constituido por 58 embarazadas VIH(+) que acudieron a diferentes servicios de obstetricia de hospitales en Caracas durante los años 2003-2005. Se le aplicó una encuesta anónima individual, previo consentimiento asistido de las evaluadas. RESULTADOS: Fundamentalmente no existe un adecuado conocimiento sobre las vías de transmisión de la enfermedad, así como percepción del riesgo ante el VIH. CONCLUSIÓN: La promoción y planificación de la información sobre el VIH/SIDA podría contribuir en la prevención de la infección en la embarazada VIH(+).

OBJECTIVE: To describe the grade of knowledge that HIV pregnant women have about HIV/AIDS and their perception of risk of HIV infection. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Transversal descriptive study in risk women in the Gran Caracas’ hospitals during 2003-2005. They answered an individual, anonym survey with their previous assisted consent. RESULTS: There is not an adequate knowledge about the disease transmission ways. CONCLUSION: The promotion and planning of appropriate information is the key to prevent in HIV pregnant women.