HIV/AIDS knowledge evaluation and condom use in an elderly group in the City of São Paulo

Abstract

Introduction: The process of demographic transition in Brazil has been followed by an increase in the incidence of HIV in the elderly, which should be investigated in order to find out possible related conditions, allowing the creation of effective strategies to reduce such incidence. Objectives: This study has the objective of evaluating the knowledge about HIV/SIDA and condom use in a group of elderly people in the city of São Paulo, to verify if there is a relation between these factors and the increased incidence of HIV/SIDA in this age group. Methods: The analytical, cross-sectional and quantitative study was conducted by the application of the “Questionnaire about knowledge and personal prevention of HIV / AIDS” in 115 elderly men and women aged 60 years and over, oriented in time and space and who accepted the terms of WICF (Written Informed Consent Form). The data analysis was performed quantitatively, under the following aspects: knowledge about HIV/AIDS (concept, transmission and prevention) and personal prevention. The data were analyzed by descriptive and inferential statistics by the R 3.6.0 software. Results: There was a predominance of female respondents (68,7%). Most respondents do not use condoms (75%). Although 83% have sufficient knowledge of HIV/SIDA, 66% believe there is a cure for the disease and 54% said that the virus could be transmitted by mosquito bites. Conclusions: it was found that despite the good level of knowledge shown by participants about HIV/SIDA, questions still persist about the ways of transmission and the possibility of cure of the disease. It demonstrates the need of understanding about the spread process of HIV/AIDS by health professionals and that the population over 60, understands how the disease works, its mechanisms of transmission and prevention.