Relationship of knowledge to perceived risk of susceptibility to HIV and socio-demographic predictors of HIV/AIDS awareness of Yi (Nuosu) women of childbearing age located in Sichuan Province

This study sought to assess what socio-demographic predictors in Yi (Nuoshu) minority women would provide information concerning awareness, knowledge and attitude toward Human Immunodeficiency Virus/Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (HIV/AIDS). Predictors examined were age, place of residence, level of education, exposure to media intervention, and type of healthcare. This study used descriptive and multivariate statistics to test the predictive function of constructs from the Health Belief Model (HBM). This study utilized a secondary database compiled by a China based Non-Government Organization (NGO). Data was collected by this NGO, in November 2003, by means of a cross-sectional study utilizing a questionnaire developed and tested by Future's Group, China. Interviews were conducted in two Yi (Minority) villages (N = 138), located in Sichuan Province, with women of childbearing age 15--45. Although many of the women had recently engaged in intercourse, none had used a condom, only two knew how to properly use one and only one woman knew where to obtain a one. This study showed that most of the Yi (Nuoshu) women did not know about Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STD) and 67.4% (N = 138) had not even heard of HIV/AIDS. Out of the 45 women who had an awareness of HIV only one woman knew how to correctly use a male condom. Logistic regression was conducted to show that school attendance, place of residence, and women who viewed TV everyday, were socio-demographic predictors of HIV/AIDS knowledge. These findings would suggest that a broad comprehensive HIV/AIDS program that addressed modes of transmission, prevention, and use of condom promotion should be designed and implemented immediately for the Yi minority people.;Of the women who had heard of HIV, they identified factors they thought affected their risk of contracting HIV. Two misconceptions of protection that were identified were, HIV was not prevalent in the area they lived and that if they had only one partner they would be kept from contracting HIV. The women did not address that fact that their partner might be in other relationships.