Conhecimento, atitudes e práticas de jovens e adultos sobre o diagnóstico do HIV e fatores associados.

Abstract

Despite plans and strategies to address late HIV diagnosis, reducing new infections and early diagnosis worldwide are still challenging. It is believed that sociodemographic factors such as age, gender, race, sexual orientation, religion, education and income may be associated with the level of knowledge, attitudes and practices of young people and adults regarding HIV diagnosis, which may influence whether the diagnosis is timely or late. Objective: To analyze the knowledge, attitudes and practices of young people and adults regarding HIV diagnosis and associated factors. Method: Descriptive, cross-sectional, quantitative research, developed in an electronic environment, using the online survey method, involving 171 young people and adults, residents of Paraíba. The data were analyzed in the SPSS software version 21.0 using Pearson's Chi-square test or Fisher's exact test for categorical variables, and Kruskal-Wallis test or Mann-Whitney test, for numerical variables. Results: It was observed among the participants that people aged 18 to 24 years, with low levels of education, living in rural areas, and with a monthly family income of up to one minimum wage have a greater deficit in knowledge related to HIV and its diagnosis. In addition, people aged 18 to 24 years are those who most believe they are not at risk of becoming infected; people aged 25 to 29 years, with a steady partner and with a higher education, master's degree or doctorate are those who most often report having tested for HIV at some point in their lives; people aged 30 to 39 years, those with a steady partner and those of the Catholic and Evangelical religions are those who most often report not having used a condom during their last sexual intercourse. Conclusion: This study may guide managers and health professionals in the application of new strategies and technologies to combat HIV/AIDS, in order to promote improved knowledge and encourage attitudes and practices among young people and adults that favor the timely diagnosis of the infection, which may impact its morbidity and mortality.