Document 2257
 DOCN  M94A2257
 TI    Impact of HIV testing and counseling on knowledge and sexual behavior: a
       survey carried out in Paris.
 DT    9412
 AU    Momas I; Pretet S; Helal H; Marsal L; Poinsard R
 SO    Int Conf AIDS. 1994 Aug 7-12;10(1):345 (abstract no. PC0316). Unique
       Identifier : AIDSLINE ICA10/94370318
 AB    OBJECTIVES--To determine the characteristics (demographics, behavior) of
       patients attending anonymous and free HIV testing centres (CIDAG) in
       Paris, to compare knowledge of HIV transmission between patients with
       previous HIV testing and counseling and patients consulting for the
       first time. METHODS--A one month study was carried out on about 2,000
       patients consulting in three CIDAG. All subjects completed a
       self-administered questionnaire about socio-demographic characteristics,
       previous testing, sexual orientation, drug use. They had also to
       evaluate the risk of HIV transmission in some specific situations and to
       estimate their own risk. Patients with previous testing and counseling
       were questioned by physicians about reasons for consulting and behavior
       changes. The statistical analysis was performed using BMDP and EPIINFO
       packages. RESULTS--Most of the patients were men (60%), Europe born,
       living in Paris or its suburbs and single. They had attended high school
       or university. One fourth was unemployed. About 30% were homo or
       bisexual. The mediane of the number of partners was 1 regular partner
       and 3 casual partners. Almost 50% have had at least 1 previous HIV
       testing and counseling, most of the time during the last year. 20% of
       them have had more than 3 tests. The main reason for testing was
       unprotected sex with casual partner. All subjects evaluated correctly
       the risk of HIV transmission related to different practices. Patients
       having received a previous counseling were not very different in their
       responses from those testing for the first time; however, they had a
       best knowledge of the seroconversion period. 50% of them reported a
       behavior change since the last test: regular condom use (30%), reduction
       of sexual partners. CONCLUSION--Despite a good knowledge of HIV
       transmission, a substantial proportion of subjects still continue to
       engage in unsafe behaviors.
 DE    Adult  *AIDS Serodiagnosis  Condoms/STATISTICS & NUMER DATA  *Counseling
       Female  Human  HIV Infections/EPIDEMIOLOGY/*PREVENTION &
       CONTROL/TRANSMISSION  *Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice  Male
       Paris/EPIDEMIOLOGY  Population Surveillance  Risk Factors  *Sex Behavior
       Sexual Partners  Urban Population/*STATISTICS & NUMER DATA  MEETING
       ABSTRACT

       SOURCE: National Library of Medicine.  NOTICE: This material may be
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