252457 Assessing HIV/AIDS Knowledge, Attitude, and Behavior/Practices in a US-based Refugee Population

Wednesday, November 2, 2011

Esther N. Munene, MBA, PhD , Department of Biomedical Informatics, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT
Jessica Greenwood, MSPH, MD , Family and Preventive Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT
Steve Alder, PhD , Clinical and Translational Science for Community Engagement Core, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT
M. Jann DeWitt, PhD , Family and Preventive Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT
Peter Weir, MPH, MD , Family and Preventive Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT
Karol L. Kumpfer, PhD , Department of Health Promotion and Education, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT
Background: Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection and Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) continue to be major global health priorities. Given the high societal costs of HIV infection, it is no surprise that HIV prevention research has become increasingly important. Forced displacement is believed to fuel the HIV/AIDS epidemic. However, factors associated with HIV risk among displaced populations are not well understood.

Objective: To assess HIV/AIDS Knowledge, Attitudes, and Behavior/Practices (KAB/P) in a US-based Burundi refugee population as a basis for designing targeted HIV/AIDS prevention interventions.

Methods: A valid, reliable questionnaire was administered in a cross-sectional study. A random sample of 76 participants, age ≥ 12 years was drawn (with replacement) from a comprehensive community database of 215 Burundi refugees residing in Utah. The main outcome measure was HIV/AIDS behavior/practices. Three predictor variables were designated as secondary outcome measures, including: (1) HIV/AIDS-knowledge; (2) Attitude towards HIV/AIDS; and (3) Self-efficacy for engaging in protective behavior/practices. Univariate, bivariate, and multivariate analyses were performed.

Results: A 97.36% response rate was achieved. Significant predictors of protective HIV/AIDS behavior/practices were self-efficacy (B= 0.248, P=0.027) and HIV/AIDS-knowledge (B= 0.454, P<0.001). Attitude towards HIV/AIDS (B= 0.5071, P<0.001) was a significant predictor of HIV/AIDS knowledge. Results were controlled for potential confounders. Questionnaire reliability was satisfactory (Cronbach's Alpha ≥0.70).

Discussion: Findings create foundational knowledge about HIV/AIDS knowledge, attitude and behavior as a basis for designing targeted interventions for the population. Results suggest that interventions aimed at increasing HIV/AIDS knowledge and enhancing self-efficacy would be beneficial in promoting safe behavior and practices.

Learning Areas:
Administer health education strategies, interventions and programs
Assessment of individual and community needs for health education
Diversity and culture
Planning of health education strategies, interventions, and programs
Public health or related education
Public health or related research

Learning Objectives:
By the end of the session, participants will be able to: 1. Describe 2 factors that influence HIV risk and prevention among Burundi refugees; and 2. Discuss implications of this study’s findings to future research on the intersection of HIV/AIDS and forced displacement in refugee communities on the U.S. mainland.

Keywords: Refugees, HIV Risk Behavior

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I am a university researcher in the fields of HIV prevention, care and treatment. I am the principal investigator on this study.
Any relevant financial relationships? No

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.

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