Abstract

ZAMBRANO, Renato et al. HIV knowledge and behaviors in sexual and reproductive health in an indigenous community of Antioquia. Investig. andina [online]. 2013, vol.15, n.26, pp.640-652. ISSN 0124-8146.

Background: in Colombia there are 87 different indigenous groups which represent 3.4% of the country's population and there is limited knowledge in this population about the presence of HIV, other STDs and in general about Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH). Also, because of the poverty, marginalization and acculturation in which indigenous people live in Colombia, it is very important to investigate and intervene this reality. The Objective of this study was to identify and measure knowledge and risk behaviors about HIV and SRH n an indigenous reservation in the Antioquia department during 2012. Methods: a cross-sectional study was conducted. A total of 43 residents older than 15 years of age were asked about their HIV knowledge, risk behaviorsand general knowledge about SRH. The project was approved by community leaders and a research ethics committee. Data analysis included simple frequency distributions and a comparison of participant 'sknowledge according to their history of previous SRH education. Results: most people had not heard before about HIV or AIDS and have little knowledge about the mechanisms of virus transmission. On the other hand, most people accept and had previous experience with differentbirth control methods, condom use was low. Conclusions: the low levels of knowledge and development of educational programs about SRHin this and other indigenous communities in Colombia, increase the risk of indigenous people for HIV and other STDs. This is a reality that deserves careful attention from the perspective of HIV prevention and health promotion.

Keywords : Sexual and Reproductive Health; HIV; Indigenous Population; Knowledge; Behavior.

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