title: Knowledge, attitudes and practices concerning AIDS in Ugandans.
abstract: A survey of the knowledge, attitudes and practices of 3928 Ugandans concerning AIDS was done in two semi-rural communities in August 1987. Eighty-eight per cent of the respondents knew that AIDS could be acquired from other people and that having multiple sexual partners was high-risk behaviour. There were, however, many incorrect beliefs about HIV transmission, including belief in transmission by insect bites (37%), witchcraft (22%) and casual contact with ill people (21%). AIDS was believed to be curable by 15% of the respondents. As part of the survey, blood was obtained from 3907 (99%) participants; 421 (10.8%) had antibody to HIV-1 by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and females were more likely to be infected than males (12.5 versus 8.8%, relative risk 1.42). Factors significantly associated with HIV infection on univariate analysis include multiple sexual partners, sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), injections, and being female. Stratified analysis of a history of STDs in people who were monogamous still showed an association with HIV infection. Information about the AIDS epidemic is reaching the Ugandan population; however, changes in behaviour are slower to follow.
authors.affiliation: Institute of Public Health, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda.
authors.forename: J K
authors.initials: JK
authors.lastname: Konde-Lule
authors.forename: S F
authors.initials: SF
authors.lastname: Berkley
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Downing
mesh_terms: D000163:Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001294:Attitude to Health; D005260:Female; D015483:HIV Antibodies / Q000032:analysis; D006679:HIV Seropositivity / Q000453:epidemiology; D006266:Health Education; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012725:Sexual Behavior; D014454:Uganda
chemical_list: D015483:HIV Antibodies