Readiness of a Community in Preventing AIDS and Providing Home-based and Community-based Care to HIV Infected Persons: a Case Study at Banglamung, Chonburi

Abstract

The objective of this study is to learn about the knowledge and understanding of a commu AIDS, the attitude concerning risk of HIV infection, the acceptability of the community to livin AIDS, and the readiness of the community to cooperate with the government in AIDS preventin control. The data were collected by using focus group discussion technique from 7 groups 25 mer each in health personnel, students, teachers, health volunteers, housewives, teenagers and buddhi monks. The results were as follow:

1. Most of the persons interviewed had knowledge and understanding of the routes of HIV, infection, signs and symptoms of AIDS, severity of the disease and the prevention methods.

2. Majority of them expressed their good attitude toward HIV infected persons, and willing to assist or provide care to AIDS patients. The were not affraid of being infected by HIV because they kner that HIV could spread only by blood and sexuak contacts. They would like to assist the government in conducting health education campaigns within their community.

The study revealed the readiness of Banglamung Community of Chonburi in dealing with the AIDS problem within the community setting.