title: Knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors regarding HIV among first time attenders of voluntary counseling and testing services in Italy.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  This study assess knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) testing and counseling services and the predictor characteristics of these outcomes among individuals who presented for the first time to Voluntary Counseling and Testing (VCT) public services.
  
  
  METHODS
  A sample of 244 subjects in the geographic area of Naples (Italy) received a self-administered anonymous questionnaire about socio-demographic characteristics, knowledge, attitudes relating to HIV infection, and practices relating to access to VCT service.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Only 25% correctly identified the main modes of transmission and the main preventative measures of HIV and this knowledge was significantly higher in who had had more than one sexual partner and have not always used a condom during the intercourse in the last year, in those who have received information about HIV/AIDS through physician, and in those who have received middle school or lower educational level. The perceived risk of contracting HIV/AIDS was significantly higher in respondents of lower age, in those who perceived a better personal health status, and in those unmarried. Only 20.9% reported that they had received the HIV test and males and those who visited a physician or participated in preventive activities about HIV/AIDS were significantly more likely to have had an HIV test.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This study supports the need to disseminate information and interventions to this population.
authors.affiliation: Department of Experimental Medicine, Second University of Naples, Naples, Italy.
authors.forename: Gabriella
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Di Giuseppe
authors.forename: Alessandra
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Sessa
authors.forename: Silvana
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Mollo
authors.forename: Natascia
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Corbisiero
authors.forename: Italo F
authors.initials: IF
authors.lastname: Angelillo
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D003376:Counseling; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy*; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D007558:Italy; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015999:Multivariate Analysis; D012044:Regression Analysis; D012725:Sexual Behavior / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D035141:Voluntary Programs