Document 2334
 DOCN  M94A2334
 TI    Feasibility study for cohort development in regular Thai army soldiers;
       barriers to screening for HIV.
 DT    9412
 AU    Virochsiri K; AFRIMS, Bangkok, Thailand.
 SO    Int Conf AIDS. 1994 Aug 7-12;10(1):328 (abstract no. PC0244). Unique
       Identifier : AIDSLINE ICA10/94370241
 AB    OBJECTIVE: To determine motivations for voluntary HIV testing in active
       duty military personnel, a critical step in HIV vaccine cohort
       development. METHODS: Anonymous testing for HIV in conjunction with
       annual health examination was offered to 1,027 soldiers and 93 spouses.
       Interviews, focus groups, and questionnaires were completed before and
       after HIV testing to determine attitudes and behaviors relevant to
       greater acceptance of voluntary HIV testing. RESULTS: Interviews and
       focus group discussions indicated many misconceptions about HIV
       infection with considerable resistance to voluntary testing and no
       perception of benefit from early diagnosis. Only 30% of subjects
       indicated an interest in HIV testing as part of the health exam. After
       an HIV education presentation, 50% volunteered for HIV testing, of whom
       55% returned for results. Those who returned for their results
       characterized themselves as being Low Risk. Data are being collected
       from those who did not seek their result. Data regarding acceptance of
       testing will be presented relative to demographic correlates.
       CONCLUSIONS: Many misconceptions remain regarding HIV and the
       consequences of testing. A brief educational program appeared effective
       in overcoming some of these barriers, however; many individuals still
       chose not to return for results. Further evaluation of motivations for
       testing and return for findings is ongoing.
 DE    Adult  AIDS Vaccines/ADMINISTRATION & DOSAGE  Cohort Studies
       *Developing Countries  Female  Human  HIV
       Infections/EPIDEMIOLOGY/*PREVENTION & CONTROL  Male  *Mass Screening
       Military Personnel/*STATISTICS & NUMER DATA  Motivation  *Patient
       Acceptance of Health Care  Patient Education  Risk Factors
       Thailand/EPIDEMIOLOGY  MEETING ABSTRACT

       SOURCE: National Library of Medicine.  NOTICE: This material may be
       protected by Copyright Law (Title 17, U.S.Code).