[AIDS/HIV related knowledge, attitude and behavior of acupuncture therapists in Aichi Prefecture]

To promote AIDS prevention measures in Japan, the actual state of knowledge, attitudes and behaviors (KAB) of workers at risk for HIV infection requires clarification. In the present study, acupuncture therapists in Aichi Prefecture were evaluated for level of their KAB. By using a self-administered questionnaire, the KAB condition of 500 acupuncture therapists was surveyed from September-November in 1993. Responses from 494 (98.8%) were available for analysis. Results showed that knowledge level on general issues regarding HIV epidemics was good. The main sources for information on AIDS/HIV were TV, general lectures, public reports and magazines. More than 80% of acupuncture therapists sterilize their needles by autoclave or boiling and 60% of them use disposable needles. Furthermore, 97% of the therapists reported utilizing one or the other of these methods. More than a half of them have participated in AIDS education programs. While about 30% of them responded that they are able to accept HIV carriers as clients, 20% of them expressed negative responses. There appears to be a discrepancy between their level of knowledge of HIV transmission routes and their practical attitude towards clients with AIDS and/or HIV carriers. A more appropriate education program based on behavioral science is desirable to lessen discrepancy distance between general knowledge and preferable behavior regarding AIDS/HIV.