AIDS awareness and sexual behaviour in a high HIV prevalence area in rural northern Kwazulu-Natal, South Africa.
The objective was to assess AIDS awareness and sexual behaviour in a rural South African community with a high HIV prevalence. One hundred clinic attenders underwent a structured interview using a standard questionnaire. Although the 64 female and 36 male patients, mean age 22 (range 13-45), had good knowledge of AIDS-related issues, only 50 perceived HIV/AIDS as a common problem. Of the 75 patients who were sexually active only 30 (40%) used condoms (men 16; 55% vs women 14; 30%, P=0.033) despite being better informed about the protective effect of condoms (active 61; 81% vs abstinent 14; 56%, P=0.011). More men than women admitted to multiple sexual partners (17; 47% vs 7; 11%, P<0.0001). In conclusion, despite a high level of awareness of HIV/AIDS issues, self-perceived risk was low, condom use was infrequent and especially men continued to have multiple sexual partners. Awareness has yet to translate into reduction of risk behaviour.
Hartung
T K
TK
Medical and HIV/AIDS Department, Mseleni Hospital, Sibhayi 3967, Kwazulu-Natal, SA.
Nash
J
J
Ngubane
N
N
Fredlund
V G
VG
D000163:Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / Q000523:psychology*; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000554:Ambulatory Care Facilities; D001364:Awareness; D017280:Condoms / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000523:psychology*; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015995:Prevalence; D012309:Risk-Taking; D012424:Rural Population; D012725:Sexual Behavior / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012747:Sexual Partners; D013019:South Africa / Q000453:epidemiology; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires