AIDSImpact.com:: - Santa Fe, USA 2011

Abstract #26 - Gender differences in level of HIV knowledge and HIV risk behaviours among people with disabilities in South Africa
Authors: Presenting Author: Dr Poul Rohleder - Anglia Ruskin University
Additional Authors: Prof. Arne Henning Edie, Prof. Leslie Swartz, Dr. Chitra Ranchod, Dr. Margie Schneider, Dr. Claire Schür,
Aim: People with disabilities have until recently been largely overlooked in HIV prevention. A growing literature suggests that people with disabilities may be at increased risk. There is a paucity of research on how HIV/AIDS affects people with disabilities in South Africa, the country with the highest number of people living with HIV in the world. This paper reports on descriptive data exploring gender differences in level of HIV knowledge and HIV risk behaviours among people with disabilities in South Africa
Method / Issue: A survey questionnaire was administered to a total sample of 285 disabled people (165 men and 120 women) from three provinces in South Africa, representing all types of disabilities. Two locations (one urban and one rural) were selected in each province. The questionnaire was administered by specially-trained fieldworkers, all of whom were disabled. The questionnaire included items about HIV knowledge, attitudes and behaviours
Results / Comments: Results indicate low levels of knowledge about HIV transmission and uncertainty about HIV prevention, particularly among female participants. Participants had a good level of knowledge about the importance of condoms in HIV prevention. However there were relatively high levels of unsafe sexual behaviours reported. Few gender differences were found in reported sexual behaviours, although male participants reported higher number of sexual partners, higher incidence of concurrent sexual partners, and higher incidence of unprotected sex after alcohol use
Discussion: The results support literature that suggests low levels of HIV knowledge among people with disabilities and possible increased risk for HIV. This study provides one of the few data investigating HIV as it affects disabled people in South Africa, adding to much needed knowledge in this area.
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