Document 2187
 DOCN  M94A2187
 TI    Beliefs about HIV among Asian/Pacific Islanders.
 DT    9412
 AU    Loue S; Lloyd LS; Phoombour E; Case Western Reserve U. School of
       Medicine.
 SO    Int Conf AIDS. 1994 Aug 7-12;10(1):361 (abstract no. PD0049). Unique
       Identifier : AIDSLINE ICA10/94370388
 AB    OBJECTIVE: To identify health and illness beliefs and practices among
       Asian/Pacific Islanders in San Diego County, USA that affect HIV testing
       and prevention behaviors. METHODS: We administered a survey to a
       convenience sample of 165 respondents from 11 A/PI communities. The
       survey instrument included items pertaining to demographic
       characteristics, health and illness beliefs and practices, HIV knowledge
       and beliefs, and drug usage and sexual practices. Outcomes of interest
       included specific beliefs about HIV transmission, treatment, and
       prevention techniques. Our preliminary analysis is descriptive. RESULTS:
       Respondents identified illness by fever (26.1%) or cough (19.4%) and
       attributed its onset to to stress (13.9%) or changes in weather (34.5%).
       Treatment by a physician was sought primarily in cases of extreme pain
       (11.5%) or illness of long duration (32.7%). Only 9.5% of respondents
       identified any symptom of HIV infection. Prevalence of HIV testing was
       relatively low (23.6%) given frequent reports of unprotected sex with
       multiple partners (72.7%). Although respondents advocated the use of
       medications for most illnesses (45.5%), quarantine was a preferred
       method for treating HIV-infected persons (12.7%). CONCLUSIONS:
       Preliminary results indicate that behavioral causes of HIV are
       inconsistent with individual beliefs of illness causation. These beliefs
       may cause postponement of testing and treatment.
 DE    Asia  Culture  Human  *HIV Infections/DIAGNOSIS/PSYCHOLOGY/TRANSMISSION
       *Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice  Pacific Islands  MEETING ABSTRACT

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