title: [The knowledge of the aged about HIV/AIDS: epidemiologic study in Vale do Rio dos Sinos, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil].
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Instituto de Ciências da Saúde, Centro Universitário Feevale, Novo Hamburgo, RS. alazzar@terra.com.br
authors.forename: Alexandre Ramos
authors.initials: AR
authors.lastname: Lazzarotto
authors.forename: Andréa Sebben
authors.initials: AS
authors.lastname: Kramer
authors.forename: Martha
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Hädrich
authors.forename: Marina
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Tonin
authors.forename: Paula
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Caputo
authors.forename: Eduardo
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Sprinz
mesh_terms: 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