Perceptions and knowledge about AIDS among family planning clinic attenders in Johannesburg

Many studies assessing the impact of national AIDS prevention programs on knowledge attitudes and practices have been published worldwide. Most have found that while general knowledge increased there was little change in behavior. A survey of a random sample of 50 women attending a family planning clinic in Johannesburg determined the current knowledge attitudes and practices of these sexually active women ages 20-29. All selected respondents agreed to participate and a pretested structured questionnaire was completed. Most had in excess of 7 years of schooling (78%) were single (58%) and were domestic workers (28.6%). The majority were aware of AIDS (88%) but only 13.7% felt their knowledge was adequate. 52% knew sexual intercourse was a means of transmission. Many misconceptions existed; among them 64% cited toilet seats 47.1% sharing of utensils and 70.1% donating blood as routes by which HIV infection could be acquired. Only 47.1% and 34.1% respectively knew that the contraceptive pill and IUD did not protect against HIV. 86% of women were sexually active and 8% admitted to currently having more than 1 sexual partner. None used condoms and in general feelings regarding condom use were negative. Most 88.6%) believed AIDS patients should be hospitalized 68.2% said they should be in isolation wards and 27.3% felt that they should not be allowed to remain in the community. The implications of these findings are discussed and certain recommendations are made. (authors modified)