ABSTRACT
In Germany, immigrants from Former Soviet Union (FSU) countries represent one of the largest immigrant groups. Some FSU countries face the highest HIV prevalence in the region of Eastern Europe and Central Asia. However, the HIV knowledge, attitude and behavioral intent have not been investigated in FSU immigrants compared to the native population yet. A cross-sectional anonymous survey among 1,205 FSU immigrants and 435 native Germans (aged 18-65 years) in Bavaria. Data analysis from the participating 435 (36 %) immigrants and 334 (76.8 %) natives showed that the immigrants were less knowledgeable (p < .001) about HIV transmission (median score 8 vs. 9, ranged from 0 to 10) and HIV prevention (4 vs. 5, ranged from 0 to 6) than the native Germans, especially with regard to HIV transmission during anal (67 vs. 79.1 %; OR = 1.86 [1.32-2.62]) and oral (49.7 vs. 61.8 %; OR = 1.63 [1.21-2.20]) intercourse and showed a high misconception rate. Age and education were associated with knowledge about sexual HIV transmission; male gender, age and education with HIV prevention by single-use of needles/syringes. In case of a suspected HIV contraction, fewer immigrants would request a test; in case of a confirmed HIV diagnosis fewer would use a condom or inform their sexual partner(s). This first comparative study indicates an urgent need for HIV/AIDS education among FSU immigrants.
Subject(s)
Emigrants and Immigrants/psychology , HIV Infections/psychology , Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice , Adolescent , Adult , Age Factors , Aged , Cross-Sectional Studies , Educational Status , Emigrants and Immigrants/statistics & numerical data , Female , Germany/epidemiology , HIV Infections/prevention & control , HIV Infections/transmission , Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice/ethnology , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , USSR/ethnology , Young AdultABSTRACT
PURPOSE: A short HIV/AIDS risk behaviour knowledge index based on questions about HIV transmission and prevention of HIV infection during sexual intercourse and intravenous drug use is proposed and implemented for an HIV average risk population in Munich. METHODS: Knowledge levels about HIV/AIDS risk behaviour was assessed in a group of people (n = 210) in sexually active age range of 18-49 years which was at an average risk of contracting HIV. Four questions about HIV transmission by unprotected vaginal, anal, or oral sexual intercourse, and by needle sharing, and two questions about HIV prevention by condom use, and the single use of needles and syringes were chosen from ten others for making a four level risk behaviour knowledge index (HIV/AIDS Transmission through Sex and Intravenous Drug Use, HATSIDU) internally consistent according to Cronbach's alpha. RESULTS: HATSIDU index (mean 3.0, SD +/- 1.18) was not associated (p>0.05) with sex and marital status, but depended (p < 0.05) on age, education and social status. General population of Munich in a sexually active age group of 40-49 years, or those without further education or the unemployed, had a significantly lower knowledge of HIV risk behaviour. CONCLUSION: The HATSIDU is a simple and usable index for the assessment of HIV/AIDS risk behaviour knowledge in a population with an average risk of HIV infection.
Subject(s)
HIV Infections/prevention & control , HIV Infections/transmission , Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice , Sexual Behavior , Substance Abuse, Intravenous/complications , Adolescent , Adult , Age Factors , Educational Status , Female , Germany , Humans , Male , Marital Status , Middle Aged , Risk-Taking , Social Class , Surveys and Questionnaires , Young AdultABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES: HIV incidence in Germany is increasing even though the German Federal Centre for Health Education reported that the entire German population (99 %) has sufficient knowledge of sexual HIV transmission. We tried to find out the reason for this discrepancy. METHODS: HIV transmission knowledge was investigated in a Munich population (n = 317) and the findings compared with a nationwide study. RESULTS: No differences in knowledge regarding needle sharing and HIV/AIDS curability were found but, in relation to sexual HIV transmission, only 55.5 % of Munich respondents had sufficient knowledge of vaginal, anal and oral transmission routes. CONCLUSIONS: The knowledge level reported in the nationwide study is overestimated as a result of the ambiguous character of the questions used.
