BackgroundHIV/AIDS was first reported in Ecuador in 1984 and its prevalence has been increasing ever since. In 2009, the National AIDS Program reported 21,810 HIV/AIDS cases and confirmed that the worker population was amongst the most affected groups. The objective of this study was to assess knowledge about HIV transmission and prevention measures in company workers in Ecuador.MethodsA cross-sectional survey based on a random sample of 115 companies (1,732 workers), stratified by three large provinces and working sectors (commerce, manufacturing and real estate) was conducted. A validated instrument developed by Family Health International was used to evaluate HIV prevention knowledge and common local misconceptions about HIV transmission. Descriptive statistics, chi square test and logistic regression analysis were performed using SAS.ResultsIncorrect knowledge about HIV/AIDS transmission were found in 49.1% (95% CI: 46.6–51.6) of subjects. Incorrect knowledge was higher among males (OR = 1.73 [1.39–2.15]), older subjects (OR = 1.35 [1.02–1.77]), subjects with lower education (OR = 3.72 [2.44–5.65]), manual labor workers (OR = 2.93 [1.82–4.73]) and subjects without previous exposure to HIV intervention programs (OR = 2.26 [1.79–2.86]). Incorrect knowledge about preventive measures was found among 32.9% (95%CI: 30.6–35.2) of respondents. This proportion was higher among subjects with lower education (OR = 2.28 [1.52–3.43]), married subjects (OR = 1.34 [1.07–1.68]), manual labor workers (OR = 1.80 [1.34–2.42]), and subjects not previously exposed to HIV intervention programs (OR = 1.44 [1.14–1.83]).ConclusionsHIV intervention programs targeting company workers are urgently needed to improve knowledge and reduce HIV transmission in Ecuador.
Objective: To develop and assess an innovative educational video package for improving HIV knowledge, attitudes and practices among company workers in Ecuador. Methods: The design and development of the HIV prevention educational video was based on the results of a large-scale survey conducted in 115 companies (commerce, manufacturing and real estate) and among 1,732 workers in the three most populous provinces of Ecuador (Pichincha, Guayas and Azuay). Two focus groups (workers of different job categories and HIV experts from various domains) evaluated the video by means of an 11-item questionnaire scoring the concept, script, technical aspects, potential impact, content and quality of the digital production. Results: The video produced was 16-minutes long. The two focus groups indicated their overall satisfaction with the initial version of the video and their scores were high. They felt the video kept their interest, was easy to understand, and evidenced the good use of graphics, voice audio and narrative to impact on the audience. The experts were, however, slightly more critical than workers and made some minor suggestions about the content and the need to test the video’s cultural appropriateness and degree of comprehension, both of which improved the video prior to its final release. Conclusion: Video-based HIV intervention programmes targeting company workers may have value in improving knowledge and reducing the risk of HIV transmission in Ecuador.
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