INVESTIGATION INTO AIDS RELATED KNOWLEDGE AND ATTITUDE AMONG GENERAL POPULATION IN XINJIANG

[Objective]To clarify the current situation of AIDS related knowledge and attitude among general population in Xinjiang for further prevention and control of AIDS.[Methods]750 inhabitants in 8 villages and 7 cities sampled by multistage sampling were investigated by face-to-face interview with structured-questionnaires.[Results]The awareness rate of the knowledge related to AIDS were 46.6%.There were significant differences(χ2 = 28.367,P = 0.000)in the awareness rates of AIDS knowledge among different races with the rate of the Uygur(35.9%)significantly lower than that of the other races.The level of recognition(above 80%)was high about the three transmission routes of AIDS while it was poor of the recognition of non transmission routes.The major routes of acquiring knowledge about AIDS were broadcasting and TV and the propaganda by hygiene staffs.55.7% of the persons showed sympathy towards the HIV/AIDS cases and 41.8% of the persons were willing to contact with them as usual.[Conclusion]The knowledge of AIDS among general population is limited and needs to be further strengthened by health education,especially in the Uygur race.