Chinese health care providers’ attitudes about HIV: a review

Abstract

China has one of the fastest growing HIV epidemics in the world with an increase in reported cases of about 30% yearly (UNAIDS, 2004). As the epidemic has grown, there have been several studies of health care provider attitudes towards HIV in China over the last 15 years. While attitudes have evolved, misconceptions about transmission of HIV, low levels of support for people living with HIV/AIDS and stigmatized groups, and a poor understanding of the importance of condoms in HIV prevention, remain. The studies are limited by a weakness of survey instruments and an absence of focus on the gendered nature of the HIV epidemic. Recommendations for future research in this area include development of a theoretical base, consideration of gender and stigma, and incorporation of these issues into the survey instruments.

Acknowledgements

I would like to acknowledge the support and guidance of my thesis supervisor, Dr. Nancy Edwards, and my thesis committee members, Dr. Carol Amaratunga, Dr. Ian Graham, and Dr. Lynne Leonard as well as helpful comments of the anonymous reviewer. I also acknowledge and appreciate the financial support of the Women's Health Scholar's Doctoral Award from the Ontario Women's Health Council.