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

Abstract #69640

Deborah Holtzman, PhD¹, Shengli Chen, MD², Shikun Zhang, MD², Feng Yun Bao², Lixia Mo, MS², and Lawrence W. Green, DrPH¹. (1) Public Health Practice Program Office, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 4770 Buford Hwy NE, Mailstop K-56, Atlanta, GA 30341, 770-488-2593, dxh4@cdc.gov, (2) Information, Education & Communication Department, The State Family Planning Commission, 14 Zhichun Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100088, China

With increasing numbers of HIV/AIDS cases reported in China, the disease has emerged as an important public health issue. Also of concern is the extent to which the population has the basic knowledge to prevent infection. To assess the public’s understanding of HIV and sources of HIV information, the State Family Planning Commission conducted a national household survey. From 7 counties, 7,053 residents (15-49 years) were randomly selected for interview in December 2000. Weighted prevalence estimates and 95% confidence intervals were calculated for HIV knowledge measures and main sources of HIV information. We also determined whether the source of information varied by knowledge and by sociodemographic characteristic. Although 83% had heard of HIV/AIDS, most of these respondents had little specific knowledge about how HIV was transmitted or could be prevented. Most prevalent sources of HIV information were television (68.0%), books/newspapers (34.3%), and radio (17.4%). Less than 10% received information from medical experts or family planning agencies. Among those with correct knowledge, however, respondents were more likely to obtain information from family planning agencies (23.3%) or medical experts (19.6%), than from books/newspapers (15.0%), radio (13.5%), or TV (8.2%). Those residing in the more economically developed regions and with 10 or more years of school were also more likely to receive information regardless of the source. The results show that information and education about HIV/AIDS is urgently needed in China. How sources of information can be taken into account in developing educational programs and disseminating potentially life saving messages is suggested.

Learning Objectives:

• understand the level of HIV/AIDS knowledge among the general population in China,
• identify sources of HIV information and whether these sources vary by level of HIV knowledge and sociodemographic characteristics,
• recognize the implications of the findings for prevention education.

Keywords: HIV/AIDS, Health Education Strategies

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.