161991 An analysis of domains associated with levels of basic HIV/AIDS knowledge among Latinos in two educational settings

Tuesday, November 6, 2007: 1:10 PM

Patria Rojas, PhD , Center for Research on U.S Latino HIV/AIDS and Drug Abuse, Florida International University, Miami, FL
Francisco Sastre, MA, MS , Department of global and Sociocultural Studies, Florida International University, Miami, FL
Mario De La Rosa, PhD , Center for Research on U.S Latino HIV/AIDS and Drug Abuse, Florida International University, Miami, FL
Rui Duan, MPH , Stempel School of Public Health, Florida International University, Miami, FL
           
Background: The goal of this study is to explore the association between demographic factors, previous HIV testing, and the level of basic HIV/AIDS knowledge among Latinos in two university settings.

Methods: This study included 503 individuals ages 17 and older. The self-administered English survey included questions in three areas of HIV/ADS knowledge/ attitudes: prevention, transmission, and stigma. To answer the 12-question survey, respondents were recruited at two Latino severing universities in a large urban area.

Results: Less than 17% of the respondents answered correctly all questions on basic HIV/AIDS knowledge. Nearly 50% of the respondents answered correctly questions in each section containing information on prevention (50.5%), transmission (52.5%), or stigma (45.7%).

Respondents were 29% less likely to answer correctly HIV/AIDS questions for each additional year of age (p<0.05). Similarly, the likelihood of answering stigma questions correctly decreased by 56% for each additional year of age and by 68% if the respondent was a female (p<0.05). Respondents who have never been tested for HIV were 37% less likely to answer questions about HIV transmission correctly (p<0.05).

Conclusions: Age, gender, and HIV testing history are significantly associated with knowledge levels of HIV/AIDS transmission, prevention, and stigma. These findings suggest the need for trainings on basic HIV/AIDS facts and for educational campaigns targeting older Latinos.

Learning Objectives:
• Recognize the lack of HIV/AIDS basic general knowledge among a Latino population in two Latino severing universities. • Understand the impact of demographic factors and previous HIV testing on the level of HIV/AIDS knowledge.

Keywords: Latinos, Education

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Any relevant financial relationships? No
Any institutionally-contracted trials related to this submission?

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.

See more of: HIV Research and Intervention Issues among Latinos
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