Abstract
BackgroundThis 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.MethodsA 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.ResultsOnly 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.ConclusionsThis study supports the need to disseminate information and interventions to this population.
Highlights
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
VCT relies mostly on individuals presenting themselves for HIV testing, giving voluntary informed consent, and provide an opportunity for individuals to understand their personal risk for HIV infection, make informed choices based on knowledge of their serostatus, encourage change/elimination unhealthy behaviors in order to reduce the risk of becoming infected, assist HIV positive individuals in
The purposes of the current epidemiological survey among individuals who presented for the first time to the VCT public services in Italy were to: (1) conduct a detailed exploration regarding the knowledge, the attitudes, and the practices regarding HIV testing and counseling services; and (2) identify the predictor characteristics of self-reported knowledge about HIV infection, fear of contracting HIV/AIDS, and having received the HIV test
Summary
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. Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) voluntary counseling and testing (VCT) services is internationally well recognized to be one of the most effective public health interventions for both treatment and primary and secondary prevention of this infection. The purposes of the current epidemiological survey among individuals who presented for the first time to the VCT public services in Italy were to: (1) conduct a detailed exploration regarding the knowledge, the attitudes, and the practices regarding HIV testing and counseling services; and (2) identify the predictor characteristics of self-reported knowledge about HIV infection, fear of contracting HIV/AIDS, and having received the HIV test
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