Knowledge and attitudes about AIDS: a comparative study of Thais involved in sexual occupations, university students and immigrants living in the United States.

ABSTRACT

Knowledge about AIDS among (a) 89 individuals involved in prostitution related occupations, (b) 465 university students, and (c) 220 Thais living in the United States was assessed to further evaluate the efficacy of Thailand's AIDS educational programs. While the average number of items answered correctly by the three groups were not equivalent (p < 0.001), all participants possessed substantial factual AIDS knowledge. As predicted, those involved in prostitution had the least accurate information (92% correct). Contrary to initial hypothesizing, however, AIDS knowledge was identical (95%) for the samples of university students living in Thailand and Thais who have been exposed to intensive AIDS information campaigns in the United States. Taken together, these findings suggest that Thailand's AIDS educational efforts have achieved considerable success. Television, newspapers, and radio provided information for most participants while a few learned about AIDS from their physician or in educational institutions. A majority expressed interest in improving their understanding about AIDS. The extent of infection among prostitutes appears to be high with nearly one-quarter of those in the sexual occupations group reporting that they knew someone with the disease. Techniques to better inform prostitutes about AIDS are discussed and a common outcome instrument to measure AIDS knowledge and attitudes is recommended.