There were 15,011 native human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) positive patients between 1986 and 2007.
Among them, patients who had homo-sexual behavior made up the second largest group and the number had increased 36% since 1986. In contrast, the number of patients with drug-addition had only increased 2%, even though they are still the largest group. The ratio of male and female patients with homosexual behavior was 9:1. This information showed that homosexual group, especially the gay group, should be the major concern of the prevention and control policies of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS).
The aims of this study were to understand the knowledge and attitude of AIDS of gays, their current level of risky sexual behavior and other associated factors to change their behavior, in order to reduce HIV infections in Taiwan.
Purpose sampling and snowball sampling methods were adopted. Gays, including HIV-infected and non- infected candidates in non-government organizations and AIDS assigned hospitals were the subject of this study. 315 effective self-designed structural questionnaires were collected. The study was approved by institution review board.
The study brought 7 results. Higher level of knowledge of AIDS in the HIV positive gays studied caused more positive attitude toward AIDS and its explanation power was 32.4%. The more positive attitude toward AIDS, the more positive actions. The knowledge of AIDS in gays studied was highly correlated to their willingness to encourage their intimate partners to do AIDS screen tests (X2=6.91 **). The
respondents aged between 30 and 49 had more knowledge of AIDS than the respondents aged 50 and over. The respondents who are of high school or higher education background had better knowledge, attitude, and behavior toward AIDS. The knowledge, attitude and behavior toward AIDS in gays did not relate directly to where they resided. Non-HIV infected respondents had significant negative correlation between knowledge and attitude toward AIDS. Those who were uncertain if they had AIDS friends were 1.71 times less likely to use condom during sexual intercourse than those respondents who had AIDS friends.
This study suggests that medical and healthcare facilities should instruct the patient more of ?Diagnostic methods of AIDS?. In addition, the study shows gays are reluctant to pick up AIDS manuals and vouchers even though they may need them. Maybe psychologically they feel that this action would announce themselves as HIV positive patients. This result suggests that instead of having the vouchers or manuals in paper, health care facilities could use emails or give instructions over the phone. It would be beneficial if HIV positive patients could have a better attitude toward understanding AIDS. Education could be given at elementary school stage to avoid discrimination against homosexuality, to promote the understanding that homosexuality does not equal to AIDS, and to clarify the routes of AIDS infection so the society can have a healthier and more accurate attitude towards homosexuals, no matter they are HIV positive or negative.
