EXTREMELY LOW AWARENESS OF AIDS, SEXUALLY-TRANSMITTED DISEASES AND CONDOMS AMONG DAI ETHNIC VILLAGERS IN YUNNAN PROVINCE, CHINA

Objective: To assess the awareness of AIDS, other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), condoms, sources of health information and HIV-relat ed societal risks among Dai villagers in southern Yunnan Province, Chi na. Subjects and methods: In November-December 1994, a cross-sectional descriptive study, comprising a questionnaire-based survey and focus group discussions, was conducted in three Dai villages in Mengla count y; a total of 177 Dai villagers were interviewed in the survey and eig ht focus group discussions were held. Ethnographic observations provid ed a composite picture of HIV risks in the area. Results: Only 18% of respondents had heard of AIDS, and only 25 and 28%, respectively, had heard of STDs or condoms. Furthermore, among these more aware groups, the level of knowledge was low and misconceptions were common. An abil ity to understand the official language (Mandarin) was the mast import ant predictor of awareness of AIDS, other STDs or condoms. The sources of information in the three Dai villages sampled included ni videos, radio and magazines, but only TV and videos had a large audience. Even so, these media were mostly in Mandarin and were not used in AIDS edu cation. Travel outside of China was frequent; most villagers (77%) had traveled to Laos and 9% had traveled to Thailand. Societal risks of H IV transmission, such as an increasing incidence of STDs and an active sex industry, were observed in this area. Conclusions: Dai villagers in southern Yunnan Province had an extremely low awareness and knowled ge of AIDS, other STDs and condoms. Given the high mobility of ethnic villagers to neighboring countries in Southeast Asia and the societal risks of HIV transmission in this area, there is an urgent need to pro vide accessible education about AIDS and other STDs. Suggestions regar ding such health education and the implications of HIV policy-making a re discussed.