title: AIDS awareness and knowledge among Botswana women: implications for prevention programs.
abstract: In-depth interviews with 56 urban women in Botswana revealed high levels of AIDS awareness and high reliance on mass media information. Many of the women expressed confusion about AIDS as an illness, that is, its symptoms and the latent period. Nearly all of the women were aware that the virus that leads to AIDS is sexually transmitted and believed that condoms are effective for prevention. However, one third had incorrect knowledge about transmission, lacking a full understanding of sexual transmission and believing that transmission can occur through casual contact. Two thirds believed they were at risk for getting AIDS, usually because they did not trust their partners and lacked control over their partners' behaviors. More than half of the women said they had changed their behaviours to prevent AIDS. Thirty-six said they had only one partner, but only 11 said they used condoms or would do so with a future partner. The women's responses provide important information on gaps in AIDS knowledge that need to be addressed in AIDS prevention.
authors.forename: K F
authors.initials: KF
authors.lastname: Norr
authors.forename: S D
authors.initials: SD
authors.lastname: Tlou
authors.forename: B J
authors.initials: BJ
authors.lastname: McElmurry
mesh_terms: D000163:Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000635:transmission; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001902:Botswana; D017280:Condoms; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D012725:Sexual Behavior; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014504:Urban Health; D014930:Women / Q000193:education / Q000523:psychology