There are few data-based studies about deaf persons’ HIV knowledge and attitudes. In part, this is because of the difficulties in administering large-scale surveys to deaf individuals in sign language. This study surveyed 452 deaf adults in eight U.S. states about their HIV knowledge and attitudes in American Sign Language (ASL) via laptop computer. Results showed that while most participants had basic HIV knowledge, there were gaps in knowledge about transmission and protection. The mean knowledge score on a seven-item scale was 4.6 (s.d., 2.28). In addition, 23% of participants answered ‘yes’ to the statement: ‘HIV is a hearing person’s disease’. These participants were also more likely to say that they would not work with a person who had AIDS and that getting HIV is a person’s fault. These findings indicate that more accessible HIV education and prevention programs are need in the U.S. deaf population.
An HIV knowledge and attitude survey of deaf U.S. adults
Deaf Worlds, 22 (1), 163-183.