HIV/AIDS misconceptions among Latinos: findings from a population-based survey of California adults.
Misconceptions about HIV/AIDS among Latino adults (N = 454) in California were examined using data from a population-based telephone survey conducted in 2000. Common misconceptions concerning modes of HIV transmission included transmission via mosquito or animal bite (64.1%), public facilities (48.3%), or kissing someone on the cheek (24.8%). A composite misconceptions score was constructed. Correlations between the composite measure and other HIV/AIDS-related beliefs were examined. Latinos with a higher level of misconceptions were more likely to report higher self-perceived risk of HIV infection, and discomfort with infected individuals in a school and in a food setting. Results from multiple linear regression analysis indicated that individuals 45 years and older, those who were interviewed in Spanish, and those with lower education or income levels had a higher degree of misconceptions. The results suggest the need for targeted education efforts to reduce HIV/AIDS misconceptions among Latino adults in California.
Ritieni
Assunta
A
California Department of Health Services, Sacramento, CA 95899, USA. aritieni@dhs.ca.gov
Moskowitz
Joel
J
Tholandi
Maya
M
D000163:Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / Q000523:psychology* / Q000635:transmission; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002140:California; D003469:Culture; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000523:psychology* / Q000635:transmission; D006266:Health Education; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006306:Health Surveys; D006630:Hispanic or Latino / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011287:Prejudice