Knowledge of and Attitude toward Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome among Korean Auxiliary Police / 병원감염관리

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to investigate AIDS-specific knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors of auxiliary police on duty in Seoul and to provide basic data for use in AIDS prevention education for auxiliary police. METHODS: In November 2008, we questioned 402 auxiliary police in the Mobile Police Force located in Seoul by using a self-administered questionnaire containing 39 items. RESULTS: Of the respondents, 98.5% were unmarried and scored, on average, 2.95+/-0.98 out of 4 with respect to their knowledge about the transmission routes of HIV infection. Approximately 70.6% of the respondents were sexually active in the past year and 6.3% were diagnosed with or treated for a venereal disease within the past year. Approximately 42.5% of the respondents had sex with someone other than their steady partner and 35.5% of these respondents did not use condom during sexual intercourse. Approximately 77% of the respondents were willing to be anonymously tested for HIV infection that may have been acquired because of unprotected sexual activity during the past year (P=0.018). CONCLUSION: Providing assertive education, as well as additional support and instructions, is necessary to raise awareness about the prevention of AIDS among auxiliary police.