To study the knowledge, attitudes, and practices with regard
to human immunodeficiency virus infection / acquired immune deficiency syndrome
(HIV/AIDS) in illegal residents, in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA).
A questionnaire study was conducted among the illegal
residents from four regions in Saudi Arabia: Jeddah, Makkah, Riyadh, and Jazan.
The survey enrolled 5,000 participants, 79% male (39.6% from
Jeddah; 20% from Riyadh; and 20% from Jazan), aged between 15 and 45 years. Of
the total, 1288 (25.8%) had not heard about HIV/AIDS. Knowledge of HIV
transmission was poor in 90% of the respondents. Of the total, 737 had read
about HIV/AIDS materials and 649 participants had been previously tested for
HIV. The majority of participants (85%) held a negative attitude toward people
living with HIV/AIDS. Those who were knowledgeable about HIV/AIDS expressed
more a positive attitude. One-fifth (968, majority were men; single 55%,
married 45%) had engaged in non-marital sexual activity. The largest proportion
of the individuals who had engaged in non-marital sex were single (54.9%)
followed by the married ones (40.4%). Men cited pleasure as the main reason for
such activity (84.6%), whereas women (73.4%) cited financial gain. Of the
respondents, 53.9 and 32.1% believed that TV and schools were the best media
through which information with regard to HIV/AIDS could be imparted.
Knowledge of HIV/AIDS, its mode of transmission, and
prevention measures was poor. Educational programs specifically targeted toward
this group were required.
Below: Perception of HIV-positive people
Below: Source of information about condoms
Below: Reasons for engaging in sexual activity by gender
Full article at:
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2College of Medicine, Alfaisal University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
3Speciality Mediicne, Johns Hopkins Aramco Healthcare, Dhahran, Saudi Arabia
4Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
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