The AIDS-related knowledge, attitudes, and behavioral skills of Hispanic and Anglo women
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Abstract
Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) is a disease of devastating proportions, for which there is currently no cure. As such, there is a significant need for research on the complex factors which influence sexual behavior, and therefore its modification. Hispanic and Anglo college-age women are among the populations that may be at increased risk of Human Immunodeficiancy Virus (HIV) infection.
Fifty-eight Hispanic and sixty-one Anglo women were recruited from undergraduate psychology courses at a major southwestern university. Their AIDS-related knowledge, attitudes toward preventive behaviors, perceived preventive behavioral skills, and sexual behavior were assessed. Descriptive analyses were conducted, as well as analyses to determine whether ethnicity was related to these variables.
Hispanic and Anglo participants demonstrated high levels of AIDS-knowledge. In general, participants reported favorable attitudes toward AIDS-preventive behaviors, although less favorable attitudes were consistently noted for buying and carry condoms. Despite engaging in risky sexual behavior, participants did not feel at much risk of HIV infection. Few ethnic differences were found in participants' knowledge, attitudes, or behaviors.