[Knowledge and attitude toward AIDS in patients with gender identity disorder presenting to Tehran psychiatric institute]

ABSTRACT

The aim of the present study was to assess the knowledge and attitude of patients with gender identity disorder [GID], presenting to Tehran Psychiatric Institute, toward Acquired immunodeficiency Syndrome [AIDS]. 58 patients with gender identity disorder [41 female-to-male and 17 male-to-female] were selected using convenience sampling. The subjects completed the questionnaire proposed by Family Health Organization. Subsequent to determining the distribution by statistical methods, data were analyzed using parametric and non-parametric tests suitable for group comparison. About 70% of the subjects believed that an apparently healthy individual could be infected with human immunodeficiency virus [HIV]. Only five subjects [8.6%] considered themselves to be at risk for HIV infection. With regard to routes of transmission, 70% believed anal sex carries lower risk than vaginal sex. Subjects had a low level of knowledge regarding sexually transmitted diseases. Therefore, all individuals with GID should be provided with sufficient information about AIDS and sexually transmitted diseases