Knowledge and attitudes about AIDS among deaf and hard of hearing persons

Author(s): Gorenflo, D. W., Meador, H. E., Zazove, P.

Journal/Book: AIDS Care. 1998; 10: PO Box 25, Abingdon OX14 3UE, Oxfordshire, England. Carfax Publ Co. 377-386.

Abstract: We investigated whether the public information being dispensed about Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) reaches Deaf and Hard of Hearing (D&HH) persons to the same extent as the rest of the American population. Using a self-administered written survey, modified so that D&HH persons whose primary language is American Sign Language (ASL) could understand the questions, demographic difference between the 37 hearing persons in southeast Michigan. There were no significant demographic differences between two populations, but there were differences regarding attitudes towards and knowledge about AIDS. D&HH persons were less likely to associate sexual contact with drug users and number of sexual partners as high risk sexual behaviours, were more likely to believe that storing blood for future personal use lowers their chances of contracting AIDS, and believed that using public restrooms, kisses on the cheek and visiting an AIDS patients increased their chances of contracting AIDS patients, such as they were not important to their community, dentists with AIDS should not be allowed to continue working, and landlords should be able to evict people with AIDS. Our findings suggest differences in receiving, trusting, and/or being exposed to current information about AIDS by the Deaf community, consistent with the fact that they are a minority population with distinct knowledge and cultural traditions.

Note: Article Zazove P, Univ Michigan, Ambulatory Care Serv, Med Ctr, Dept Family Practice, 300 N Ingalls, Ann Arbor,MI 48109 USA

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