title: Reducing discriminatory attitudes toward people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) in Hong Kong: an intervention study using an integrated knowledge-based PLWHA participation and cognitive approach.
abstract: The present paper describes the development and evaluation of an intervention programme aiming to reduce adolescents' discriminatory attitudes toward people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA). The intervention programme integrates components of 'virtual interaction' with PLWHA (watching a documentary), knowledge enhancement and a simple cognitive exercise. To evaluate its effectiveness, the programme was implemented to about 600 form 3-4 (grade 9-10) students of three secondary schools in Hong Kong. Using a structured questionnaire, the level of discriminatory attitudes toward PLWHA, knowledge about HIV/AIDS and perceptions about PLWHA, etc. were measured before and after the implementation of the programme. A notable improvement on the level of acceptance of PLWHA and knowledge about HIV/AIDS was found after the implementation of the programme. Negative perceptions about PLWHA also reduced substantially. For instance, before the programme, over one-third (35.7%) of all respondents believed that the majority of PLWHA were promiscuous; the figure dropped to 15.8% after exposure to the programme (adjusted odds ratio = 0.35, p < 0.001). Further, some gender differences were observed. Female respondents tended to be less discriminatory toward PLWHA and responded more favourably to the programme than their male counterparts.
authors.affiliation: Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Chinese University of Hong Kong, People's Republic of China. jlau@cuhk.edu.hk
authors.forename: J T F
authors.initials: JT
authors.lastname: Lau
authors.forename: H Y
authors.initials: HY
authors.lastname: Tsui
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Chan
mesh_terms: D000163:Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / Q000523:psychology*; D000293:Adolescent; D001294:Attitude to Health; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000523:psychology*; D006723:Hong Kong; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011287:Prejudice; D017678:Sex Distribution; D013334:Students; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires