Title: HIV / AIDS related knowledge, attitudes, and preventive behavior of pregnant Korean women.

POPLINE Document Number: 120142

Author(s):

Chang SB
Hill MN

Source citation:

IMAGE - THE JOURNAL OF NURSING SCHOLARSHIP, 1996 Winter;28(4):321-4.

Abstract:

A cross-sectional survey of 409 women recruited from six prenatal clinics in Seoul, Korea, in 1993 indicated that Korean women are at risk for heterosexual transmission of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) as a result of their husband's extramarital sexual encounters. In general, respondents had high knowledge levels regarding the major risk factors for HIV (mean knowledge score of 15.5 out of a maximum possible score of 22) and most reported adoption of at least one behavior that prevents HIV transmission (mean preventive behavior score of 19.4 out of a maximum possible score of 28). Preventive behavior was significantly associated with 12 or more years of education, having an acquaintance with HIV, urban residence, a high HIV-related knowledge score, and personal risk appraisal. Although 16% provided their husbands with condoms for extramarital sex, only 28% of respondents were aware HIV can be transmitted through heterosexual vaginal intercourse. Also alarming were findings that only 18% would continue relationships with friends who became infected and 90% believed children with HIV should not be allowed to attend school with noninfected children; on the other hand, 60% would not cut off a relationship with an infected family member and 45% agreed they would care for that relative until death. Overall, these findings suggest a need for an educational campaign focused on heterosexual transmission of HIV, self-protection, and increased acceptance of unrelated HIV-infected individuals.

Keywords:

Republic of Korea
Research Report
KAP Surveys
Cross Sectional Analysis
HIV Prevention
AIDS Prevention
Knowledge
Attitude
Safer Sex
Pregnant Women
Risk Factors
Developed Countries
Asia, Eastern
Asia
Surveys
Sampling Studies
Studies
Research Methodology
HIV Infections
Viral Diseases
Diseases
AIDS
Psychological Factors
Behavior
Sex Behavior
Population Characteristics
Demographic Factors
Population
Biology