Knowledge and Attitudes towards HIV and HCV among the Population Attending the Fast-Track Cities Mobile Unit in Brescia, Italy

• Published in: International journal of environmental research and public health 2023-10, Vol.20 (19), p.6878
• Main Authors: Viola, Francesca, menti, Beatrice, Arsuffi, Stefania, Polesini, Itala, Focà, Emanuele, Castelli, Francesco, Quiros-Roldan, Eugenia
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Age groups; Attitudes; Cities; Contingency tables; Counseling; Demographics; Health care; Hepatitis C; Heterosexuality; Knowledge; Multiple choice; Population; Public health; Questionnaires; Response rates; Secondary schools; Sexual orientation; University students; Variables
• ISSN: 1660-4601; 1661-7827; 1660-4601
• DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20196878

The Infectious and Tropical Diseases Department of the University of Brescia organized free rapid screening tests for HIV and HCV as part of the Fast-Track City commitment. A cross-sectional study was conducted, consisting of an anonymous multiple-choice questionnaire that was administered to individuals who underwent the screening or consultation. The study aimed to compare knowledge and attitudes towards HIV and HCV between age groups (18–40 vs. >40) and sexual orientations (heterosexual vs. LGBTQ+). Overall, 333 questionnaires were completed. Overall, only 107 (32%) of respondents knew how HIV is transmitted. Major differences were shown between different age groups, where people under the age of 40 had a significantly higher correct response rate than people over 40 (n = 101; 39% versus n = 6; 7.8%, p < 0.00001). Similarly, almost half of LGBTQI+ people (n = 28; 44.4%) gave the correct answer, versus 30% (n = 79) of heterosexuals (p = 0.0359). Only 9.6% of the population demonstrated high levels of knowledge for both HIV and HCV. Our study highlights that misconceptions about HIV and HCV should be addressed in prevention and education programs, whose target should also be specific populations.