A study assessing HIV knowledge, risk behaviour, health service usage and testing in people from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds in NSW Australia.

摘要

This research study assessed HIV knowledge, sexual risk behaviours, testing patterns and health service usage among people from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds in NSW. A cross‐sectional survey was undertaken in 2012-2013 at 12 community events in partnership with community organisations. Men and women aged 16 years or older from Zimbabwe, Thailand, Ethiopia, South Africa, Cambodia and Sudan participated. These countries were selected as they contribute to high numbers of HIV notifications relative to their population size in NSW. The survey questions were framed to appropriately reflect the socio-cultural background of the communities and translated into local language. In total, 1 406 people participated; 53% were females, the median age was 30 years and 82% spoke a language other than English at home. Only 16% of males and 25% of females answered correctly to all five modes of transmission with around 20-30% unaware HIV could be transmitted through sexual intercourse, injecting and blood transfusion and more than half unaware it could be transmitted through birth and breastfeeding. Under half of participants (46% males, 33% females) reported a non-steady sexual partner, of which only 27% reported condom use in the last 12 months (31% males, 23% females). The main reasons for not using condoms with a non-steady partner was; difficult to bring up the topic (42% males, 64% females); their partner did not like condoms (14% males, 39% females); and condoms were unnatural (48% males, 39% females). Just over half of all respondents (54%) had ever had an HIV test; with half (56%) occurring when applying for permanent residency, yet most participants (70%) reported they visit their doctor at least yearly. Having a steady partner (38%), being scared of a blood test (30%), and perception of having done nothing to put them at risk (25%), were the main reasons that made it less likely for participants not to test for HIV.The study has highlighted the need for gender-specific education and health promotion programs to address gaps in knowledge, sexual risk behaviour and HIV testing in CALD populations in NSW. These findings have relevance for other CALD communities in Australia.