Aids-related knowledge and practices in migrant populations: the case of Montrealers of Haitian origin.

The objectives of the study were to determine knowledge levels regarding AIDS and its modes of transmission, and to describe sexual behaviour of Montrealers of Haitian origin. A serial cross-sectional study was conducted in three phases between 1987 and 1990. A questionnaire was administered in a face-to-face interview with the exception of the section concerning sexual practices which was self-administered for those respondents who were literate in French. The study was conducted among 775 men and women residing in the metropolitan Montreal region. These individuals were aged 15 to 39, were born in Haiti or had at least one parent born in Haiti. Knowledge levels were high except for misconceptions about HIV transmission through casual contact and mosquito bites. There was a significant association between high risk sexual behaviour and marital status with the odds of having had multiple partners significantly raised for previously married individuals (OR = 5.96, 95% CI = 3.09; 11.50). High risk behaviour was also associated with being under 25 years of age (OR = 2.83, 95% CI = 1.40; 5.74), knowing someone with HIV/AIDS (OR = 1.88, 95% CI = 1.05; 3.37), being male (OR = 6.81, 95% CI = 3.99; 11.60) and earlier year of interview. Montrealers of Haitian origin, with their specific AIDS-related socio-cultural characteristics, constitute a community which is intermediate between their country of origin, Haiti, and their host country, Canada.

[Utilization of qualitative and quantitative methods to study the attitudes and beliefs related to AIDS in a Montreal population of Haitian origin]. / Utilisation de méthodes qualitatives et quantitatives pour étudier les attitudes et croyances reliées au sida chez les Montréalais d'origine Haïtienne.

To determine attitudes and beliefs related to AIDS among the population of metropolitan Montreal of Haitian origin, we conducted serial cross-sectional surveys between 1987 and 1990 among a random sample of 777 men and women aged 15 to 39. Data on perceived risk of AIDS and attitudes towards HIV testing were collected in home settings using a combination of face-to-face structured interviews and a self-administered questionnaire. Multivariate analysis was conducted to determine predictors of attitudes towards people with HIV. The fear of being infected with HIV is great in this population. The social representation of illness in this community is very much influenced by religious beliefs. Scores for the five-item scale suggest only moderately favourable attitudes towards persons with HIV compared to Montrealers in general. Attitudes towards persons with AIDS were positively associated with years of schooling and a higher perceived risk of getting infected (p < or = 0.01).

Knowledge, attitudes, beliefs and practices related to AIDS among Montreal residents of Haitian origin.

We used interviews of 268 subjects to ascertain knowledge, attitudes, beliefs and practices related to AIDS among Montrealers of Haitian origin, from November 1987 through October 1988. The questions on knowledge included items on general knowledge about the disease (prevention of AIDS, treatment, nature and manifestations of the disease, screening and high-risk groups), and more specific questions about modes of HIV-1 transmission. The average correct answers to questions on general knowledge about AIDS was 81%. The questions on HIV-1 transmission concerned both modes of infection that are scientifically established, and other modes that are not scientifically recognized. The average correct answers to questions on scientifically recognized modes of infection was 94% and the average correct answers for modes of transmission that are not scientifically accepted was 74%. The attitudes and beliefs of Montrealers of Haitian origin toward persons with AIDS was only moderately favourable. Attitudes and beliefs toward condom promotion were very positive. The percentage of subjects reporting male homosexuality or injection drug use was extremely small. 23% of subjects who had experienced sexual intercourse reported that they had two or more partners during the 12 months preceding the survey.

PIP: The authors used interviews from 268 patients to ascertain knowledge, attitudes, beliefs, and practices related to AIDS among Montrealers of Haitian origin. Interviews were conducted between November 1987-October 1988 and questions queried general knowledge about the disease (prevention of AIDS, treatment, nature, and manifestations of the disease, screening, high-risk groups), and more specific questions on the modes of HIV-1 transmission. The average % of correct answers on general knowledge about AIDS was about 81%. The questions on HIV-1 transmission concerned both modes of infection that are scientifically established, and other modes that are not. The average % of correct answers to questions on scientifically recognized modes of infection was 94% and for those answers on those which are not scientifically accepted was 74%. The attitudes and beliefs of these Montrealers towards those with AIDS was only moderately favorable. Attitudes and beliefs toward condom promotion were, on the other hand, very positive. The % of subjects reporting male homosexuality or injection drug use was extremely small. 23% of subjects who had experienced sexual intercourse reported that they had 2 or more partners in the 12 months preceding the survey. (author's)