Reducing discriminatory attitudes toward people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) in Hong Kong: An intervention study using an integrated knowledge-based PLWHA participation and cognitive approach

Abstract

The present paper describes the development and evaluation of an intervention programme aiming to reduce adolescents’ discriminatory attitudes toward people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA). The intervention programme integrates components of ‘virtual interaction’ with PLWHA (watching a documentary), knowledge enhancement and a simple cognitive exercise. To evaluate its effectiveness, the programme was implemented to about 600 form 3–4 (grade 9–10) students of three secondary schools in Hong Kong. Using a structured questionnaire, the level of discriminatory attitudes toward PLWHA, knowledge about HIV/AIDS and perceptions about PLWHA, etc. were measured before and after the implementation of the programme. A notable improvement on the level of acceptance of PLWHA and knowledge about HIV/AIDS was found after the implementation of the programme. Negative perceptions about PLWHA also reduced substantially. For instance, before the programme, over one-third (35.7%) of all respondents believed that the majority of PLWHA were promiscuous; the figure dropped to 15.8% after exposure to the programme (adjusted odds ratio=0.35, p<0.001). Further, some gender differences were observed. Female respondents tended to be less discriminatory toward PLWHA and responded more favourably to the programme than their male counterparts.

Acknowledgments

The authors would like thank Ah Wai, the 10 PLWHA who participated in the early phase of the study (focus group), Ms Atty Ching (TeenAIDS), volunteers from TeenAIDS including Becky Tsang, Daphne Tam, Arison Nam, Kathy Wong, Sophina Wong, Stepheny Cheuk and Sarah Chan, Mr Michael Yip (TeenAIDS), Alan (AIDS Concern), Loretta Wong (AIDS Concern), M. W. Chan, Claudia Tam, Bonny Tsang, Mason Lau and Ivy Chiu for their help and participation in the study. The project was funded by the Hong Kong Council for the AIDS Trust Fund.