[The knowledge of the aged about HIV/AIDS: epidemiologic study in Vale do Rio dos Sinos, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil].
The objective of this study was to assess the knowledge about HIV/AIDS in participants of companionship groups in the Vale do Sinos, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. It was a prospective cross-sectional study in a sample of 510 individuals, 17% males and 82.5% females aged between 60 and 90 years. We used the Questionnaire on HIV for the Old Aged, which comprises the general characteristics of the participants and questions concerning HIV/AIDS, organized into the elements 'concept', 'transmission', 'prevention', 'vulnerability', and 'treatment'. Nearly half of the participants (48.4 %) reported having studied 4 to 7 years and the monthly income of 52.2% was of 1 to 3 minimum wages. In the dimensions concept and transmission, 49.4% had no idea about the asymptomatic phase of the infection, and 41.4% believed HIV could be transmitted by a mosquito bite. With regard to prevention and vulnerability, 25.5% did not know about the female condom and 36.9% considered AIDS a disease confined to men who have sex with men, sex workers, and injection-drug users. Regarding antiretroviral treatment, 12.2% ignored its existence. Elderly people in companionship groups have important misconceptions about HIV/AIDS, which can increase their risk of infection. There is a need for public health programs directed to this population in order to prevent or decrease the risk of HIV transmission.
Lazzarotto
Alexandre Ramos
AR
Instituto de Ciências da Saúde, Centro Universitário Feevale, Novo Hamburgo, RS. alazzar@terra.com.br
Kramer
Andréa Sebben
AS
Hädrich
Martha
M
Tonin
Marina
M
Caputo
Paula
P
Sprinz
Eduardo
E
D000163:Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001938:Brazil; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires