Vietnamese American College Students' Knowledge and Attitudes Toward HIV/AIDS

Mail and telephone surveys were used to investigate the extent of HIV-related knowledge and attitudes among Vietnamese American college students. Findings indicated that the 412 respondents who completed the survey were aware of the major modes of HIV transmission but had many misconceptions about HIV. Female students were more knowledgeable than male students, but sexually active participants were less knowledgeable than those who were not sexually active. The findings also suggest that respondents were not comfortable discussing their HIV and safe sex concerns with their sexual partners. The results of the study underscore the need for culturally sensitive HIV/AIDS education for Vietnamese students, especially for those who are sexually active. HIV prevention interventions should be directed toward this minority ethnic group to maintain the currently low rates of HIV infection.