Abstract
In Germany, immigrants from Former Soviet Union (FSU) countries represent one of the largest immigrant groups. Some FSU countries
face the highest HIV prevalence in the region of Eastern Europe and Central Asia. However, the HIV knowledge, attitude and
behavioral intent have not been investigated in FSU immigrants compared to the native population yet. A cross-sectional anonymous
survey among 1,205 FSU immigrants and 435 native Germans (aged 18–65 years) in Bavaria. Data analysis from the participating
435 (36 %) immigrants and 334 (76.8 %) natives showed that the immigrants were less knowledgeable (p < .001) about HIV transmission (median score 8 vs. 9, ranged from 0 to 10) and HIV prevention (4 vs. 5, ranged from 0 to
6) than the native Germans, especially with regard to HIV transmission during anal (67 vs. 79.1 %; OR = 1.86 [1.32–2.62])
and oral (49.7 vs. 61.8 %; OR = 1.63 [1.21–2.20]) intercourse and showed a high misconception rate. Age and education were
associated with knowledge about sexual HIV transmission; male gender, age and education with HIV prevention by single-use
of needles/syringes. In case of a suspected HIV contraction, fewer immigrants would request a test; in case of a confirmed
HIV diagnosis fewer would use a condom or inform their sexual partner(s). This first comparative study indicates an urgent
need for HIV/AIDS education among FSU immigrants.
face the highest HIV prevalence in the region of Eastern Europe and Central Asia. However, the HIV knowledge, attitude and
behavioral intent have not been investigated in FSU immigrants compared to the native population yet. A cross-sectional anonymous
survey among 1,205 FSU immigrants and 435 native Germans (aged 18–65 years) in Bavaria. Data analysis from the participating
435 (36 %) immigrants and 334 (76.8 %) natives showed that the immigrants were less knowledgeable (p < .001) about HIV transmission (median score 8 vs. 9, ranged from 0 to 10) and HIV prevention (4 vs. 5, ranged from 0 to
6) than the native Germans, especially with regard to HIV transmission during anal (67 vs. 79.1 %; OR = 1.86 [1.32–2.62])
and oral (49.7 vs. 61.8 %; OR = 1.63 [1.21–2.20]) intercourse and showed a high misconception rate. Age and education were
associated with knowledge about sexual HIV transmission; male gender, age and education with HIV prevention by single-use
of needles/syringes. In case of a suspected HIV contraction, fewer immigrants would request a test; in case of a confirmed
HIV diagnosis fewer would use a condom or inform their sexual partner(s). This first comparative study indicates an urgent
need for HIV/AIDS education among FSU immigrants.
- Content Type Journal Article
- Category Original Paper
- Pages 1-10
- DOI 10.1007/s10903-012-9671-x
- Authors
- Laura Kuznetsov, HIV/STI Prevention Research Group of the Department of Dermatology & Allergology, Ludwig-Maximilian University, Frauenlobstr. 9-11, 80337 Munich, Germany
- Uwe Matterne, Department of Clinical Social Medicine, Occupational & Environmental Dermatology, Ruprecht-Karl University, Heidelberg, Germany
- Alexander Crispin, Institute for Medical Informatics, Biometry & Epidemiology, Ludwig-Maximilian University, Munich, Germany
- Thomas Ruzicka, Department of Dermatology & Allergology, Ludwig-Maximilian University, Munich, Germany
- Stefan A. Zippel, HIV/STI Prevention Research Group of the Department of Dermatology & Allergology, Ludwig-Maximilian University, Frauenlobstr. 9-11, 80337 Munich, Germany
- Alexander V. Kuznetsov, HIV/STI Prevention Research Group of the Department of Dermatology & Allergology, Ludwig-Maximilian University, Frauenlobstr. 9-11, 80337 Munich, Germany
- Journal Journal of Immigrant and Minority Health
- Online ISSN 1557-1920
- Print ISSN 1557-1912