RESUMEN
A telephone survey was conducted to measure AIDS knowledge, media usage and condom attitudes and behaviors among 500 adults aged 18 to 49 in Brasilia, as well as to evaluate the feasibility of the telephone survey method in a developing country. The response rate was 91.6%. Respondents had good knowledge about correct modes of HIV transmission and prevention but also believed HIV was transmitted through blood donation, public toilets, swimming pools, and mosquito bites. TV and newspapers were the most important sources of information on health matters and AIDS, though health workers were considered the most credible sources of such information. Only 19% of sexual encounters in the 4 weeks prior to the survey included condoms. Single and younger respondents and those with more positive attitudes used condoms more frequently. More work is needed to identify appropriate messages to motivate people to use condoms. Telephone surveys regarding AIDS and sexual attitudes and behaviors are feasible in Brasilia, a planned community with universal telephone coverage.
PIP: This study examines the knowledge, attitudes, and behavior of AIDS and condom use in Brazil. Data were obtained during March-April 1994 from 500 completed telephone interviews among a sample of adults 18-49 years old living in the Plano Piloto sector of Brasilia, Brazil. The survey was conducted about 2 months after a national television and radio campaign on AIDS prevention, use of condoms, and avoidance of sharing syringes or needles. The questionnaire was based on questions from the Global Program on AIDS protocol. 99% of the sample reported that AIDS was one of the most important health problems facing Brazil today. The other health problems mentioned were cancer, famine, and cholera. 27% did not consider themselves at risk of AIDS. 2% considered themselves at great risk. The rest believed they had a small to moderate risk. 93% were aware that people with AIDS might appear healthy looking. 95% indicated sexual contact as a mode of transmission. 34% reported condom use as a means of avoiding AIDS transmission. 19% reported sexual abstinence as a preventive measure. 15% reported that people should inform others of their AIDS status as a way to avoid transmitting AIDS. 41% knew someone with AIDS. Less educated respondents held more inaccurate beliefs about the general means of transmission, but there were no educational differences about safe activities involving specific contact with persons infected with AIDS. Most misinformation pertained to public toilets, blood donations, use of swimming pools, and mosquito bites. 89% believed in a high risk at dental clinics used by AIDS patients. 72% were regular television users. Television and newspapers were the most important sources of information on AIDS and health. Only 19% used condoms in sexual activity occurring in the prior 4 weeks. Psychosocial factors were more important than demographic factors in predicting condom use.