Exploring public knowledge and attitudes towards HIV/AIDS in Saudi Arabia. A survey of primary health care users

OBJECTIVE: To assess the knowledge and attitudes towards HIV/AIDS among the general public in Riyadh city, Saudi Arabia.

METHODS: The study employed self-administered questionnaires to collect data from individuals aged 15 years or older who attended Primary Health Centers (PHC) in Riyadh City. In addition to demographic characteristics, the questionnaire was designed to collect data on a number of statements including basic knowledge about HIV/AIDS, its mode of transmission and people's attitudes and source of information about the disease. The questionnaires were distributed randomly to 500 persons (250 males and 250 females) during November and December 2004. Data were analyzed in a descriptive fashion.

RESULTS: Although the majority of respondents correctly identified the main modes of HIV/AIDS transmission, there is a relative deficiency in their knowledge about the disease. Moreover, their attitudes towards HIV/AIDS and infected persons were defective. The results indicate that this deficiency in knowledge and attitudes was associated with some of their demographic characteristics such as their gender, level of education, ages and nationality. Furthermore, the results show that the contribution of health staff and educational institutions was limited in providing the public with information about this health problem.

CONCLUSION: Although the prevalence of HIV/AIDS in Saudi Arabia is low, health care providers in general, and PHC centers in particular, should be involved in intensive educational programs as a part of their professional mission to help the general public acquire appropriate knowledge and attitudes towards HIV/AIDS. This will help in preventing the spread of this health problem.