IngentaConnect HIV/AIDS knowledge and risk behaviour in Hong Kong Chinese pregna...

Abstract:

Ho c.f. & loke a.y. (2003)Journal of Advanced Nursing43(3), 238–245

HIV/AIDS knowledge and risk behaviour in Hong Kong Chinese pregnant women Background.

With the increase in HIV infection among childbearing aged women in Hong Kong, health department policy-makers are considering the implementation of antenatal HIV screening to identify infected mothers. However, little is known about women's understanding of HIV/AIDS, and their attitudes towards HIV screening. Aim.

The aim of this study was to explore pregnant women's knowledge about HIV/AIDS, their perceptions of risk, risk behaviour and management, and their attitudes towards HIV screening. Methods.

A cross-sectional study was carried out, and all Chinese pregnant women who attended an antenatal clinic of a regional hospital in Hong Kong in the month of December 2000 were invited to complete a questionnaire. Findings.

Hong Kong pregnant women had fairly good general knowledge of HIV/AIDS (mean score = 4·8/6), but were less knowledgeable on specific mother-to-child HIV transmission (mean score = 3·6/6). There were statistically significant differences between those with different levels of education ( chi

² = 19·81; P < 0·001) and between Hong Kong born residents and immigrants from the Chinese mainland (z = -4·03; P < 0·001). Over a third (36·7%) of all pregnant women perceived a risk of contracting HIV. If HIV infection were suspected, over 70% would have HIV screening together with their spouse. If HIV was confirmed, 24% would terminate the pregnancy. As many as 78·5% and 72·8% of women believed that HIV screening should be carried out before marriage and pregnancy respectively. Only 4·7% would choose universal opt-out antenatal HIV testing. Recommendations.

Health educators should provide tailored-made education programmes for women at risk, particularly those at lower education levels and those who have come from the Chinese mainland, to enhance their knowledge about mother-to-child HIV transmission, and to promote awareness of safe sex. Health policy-makers should consider the possibility of providing pre-marriage and pre-pregnancy HIV screening for women.

Keywords: knowledge; HIV/AIDS; mother-to-child HIV transmission; perceived risk; risk behaviour; risk management; preference of HIV screening; nursing

Document Type: Research article

DOI: 10.1046/j.1365-2648.2003.02706.x

Affiliations: 1: Nursing Officer, Department of Health, Hong Kong, China 2: Associate Professor, School of Nursing, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Hong Kong, China

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