AIDS and condom-related knowledge, beliefs, and behaviors were assessed in Mexican migrant laborers. The sample consisted of 55 men and 32 women who were administered a modified version of the Hispanic Condom Questionnaire. Results indicated that respondents were knowledgeable about actual modes of HIV transmission but that a third to half of the sample believed they could contract AIDS from unlikely sources such as mosquito bites, public bathrooms, and kissing on the mouth. Knowledge of proper condom use was problematic, and frequency of condom use during the past year was no higher than half of the time. Concern about contracting AIDS was generally low but was highest for migrants that were younger and for those with multiple sex partners. Although respondents reported few negative beliefs about the consequences of condom use, most believed that women would be seen as promiscuous for carrying condoms.

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virus infection HIV Infections sexual behavior Human immunodeficiency virus infection methodology demography sex difference Health Behavior Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome Barrier Methods Hispanic Americans North America attitude Diseases Behavior Contraceptive Methods Article migration population and population related phenomena Transients and Migrants risk reduction employment attitude to health Culture cultural anthropology Sampling Studies epidemiology Ethnic Groups ethnic group United States psychology Contraception Western Hemisphere Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice Demographic Factors Economic Factors Northern America Population Characteristics Human Resources Labor Force acquired immune deficiency syndrome Migrant Workers Studies Research Methodology Americas Family Planning Services Surveys Developed Countries Risk Reduction Behavior Disease knowledge Cultural Background Hispanic Viral Diseases Sex Behavior Virus Diseases Sex Factors family planning Data Collection information processing South and Central America Latin America economics population developing country Research Report Developing Countries sexuality Sexual Partners condom Condoms Hispanics Mexico health care manpower Health Manpower Psychological Factors developed country research Kap Surveys general aspects of disease