The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #63658

P. Bassey Williams, PhD, CHES¹, Mian B. Hossain, MSC, MHS, PhD², Olugbemiga Ekundayo, MD, MPH³, and Sherita A. Henry, BS¹. (1) MPH/DrPH Public Health Program, Morgan State University, 343 Jenkins Building, 1700 Cold Spring Lane, Baltimore, MD 21251-0001, (2) MPH/DrPH Public Health Program, Morgan State University, 343 Jenkins Building, 1700 E. Cold Spring Lane, Baltimore, MD 21251-0001, (3) The MPH/DrPH Program, Department of Public Health, Morgan State University, 343 Jenkens Builging, 1700 E. Cold Spring Lane, Baltimore, MD 21251-0001, 443-885-3238, maxima_1757@aol.com

Baltimore City’s inner-city populations bear a disproportionate burden of HIV/AIDS at national, state and local levels. Studies have shown that the spread of HIV infections, as with other sexually transmitted diseases, are strongly correlated with knowledge, attitude, belief and behavior of city residents. Scores in these risk and exposure variables have been positively associated with age and educational level. The purpose of this research was to examine the relationship between age, and level of education in regard to inner-city Baltimore African-American females’ attitudes and behavior towards HIV/AIDS. Data for this analysis were collected from 236 African-American women from inner city Baltimore. Latent Class analysis was used to prepare scales of HIV/AIDS levels of knowledge, attitude and behavior of the inner-city African American women. In assessing the association of age and education on the scale of HIV/AIDS knowledge, attitude and behavior, we also used multiple regression as well as bivariate analyses to elicit results. Age and educational levels as determined, in this study, were strongly correlated with knowledge level. Although income levels were also strongly tied to level of education, they did not have any significant correlation with scores. Older respondents (50 years and older) scored significantly lower than those in the younger age groups. It is believed that Baltimore HIV burden will require more precise comprehensive demographic measurement and analysis to adequately provide effective and competent HIV/AIDs control program for the inner-city females of Baltimore.

Learning Objectives:

• At the end of this session: Participants will be able to determine how age and level of education iinfluence the high incidence and prevalence rates of HIV/AIDS among inner-city African-American women of Baltimore, Maryland

Keywords: Maternal Health, Ethnic Minorities

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.