AIDS knowledge and risk behaviors among culturally diverse women.

This article reports results from a survey of women at risk for HIV infection. The sample (n = 620) included black (50.6%), white (28.7%), Hispanic (13.4%), and Haitian (5.0%) adult women from south Florida. Data concerning their AIDS knowledge, prevalence of risk behaviors, and perceived vulnerability are presented. Results indicate differences in certain knowledge areas and risk behaviors by race/ethnicity and a consistent incidence of unprotected sex with their main partners across all racial/ethnic groups.

PIP: Florida has the 3rd highest cumulative number of AIDs cases among states in the US, and 12% in Florida are women, which is 3% higher than the national average. The study describes the AIDs knowledge and sexual behavior of women at high risk of HIV infection in 1989 from Dade and Broward counties in Florida. As part of a 3-year project, it was designed to develop a cross sectional description of women at risk, and to develop and evaluate interventions aimed at perinatal AIDs prevention. 620 nonpregnant women were recruited from county jails and detention centers (59.3%), county health, STD, and family planning clinics (26%), alcohol/drug treatment centers (13.6%), and other (1.1%). The mean age of respondents was 28.9 years. 51% were never married, and 76% had 1-3 children. 45% were unemployed. 21% reported income from prostitution and 17% from illegal activity. 44% had ever engaged in prostitution. 83% had used an illegal substance of which 22% was IV drugs. 8.7% were seropositive. 71% received AIDs, STDs, contraception, and sexuality information from the mass media, and 59% from medical professionals and public health clinics. The limitations were the representatives of the sample, and the validity and reliability of the questionnaire. The results of AIDs knowledge, risk behavior, and vulnerability revealed that the majority were well informed about AIDs and HIV infection, with the exception of Haitians. The findings support treating Haitian women as a special population for AIDs prevention programs. Those 20 and 41 years tended to believe myths about AIDs and casual contact and perceived risk based on the appearance of an individual. 75% were unaware of bleach as a remedy for dirty needles. As a subcultural influence, people need more knowledge about safer drug use. Knowledge did not influence risky behavior. Transmission appears to be from heterosexual contact. A greater prevalence of sexual risk behavior was reported with main partners even though 75% agreed one couldn't trust lovers in reporting STDs. Program focus on prostitutes may have limited impact. Hispanics reported the greatest prevalence of risk behaviors, followed by whites, blacks, and Haitians. Over 40% of Hispanic and Haitian and 20% of black women reported intention to not use a condom with a seropositive partner. Economics and gender role norms are a great influence. There was a general lack of perceived vulnerability. Successful community and society level strategies involve continued education, sociocultural sensitivity, gender role issues, sexual decision making, and economic factors.

Regionalization of human resources. SCHCS healthcare facilities collaborate to head off labor shortages.

Shortages of healthcare personnel become more pronounced each year. Effective human resource strategies are therefore important to facilities' success. The Sisters of Charity Health Care Systems (SCHCS), Cincinnati, is meeting the labor shortage head-on through collaborative regionalization among its facilities. Regionalization develops an integrated continuum of care on local and regional bases, helps SCHCS members avoid duplication of services, and ensures communities' future access to care by spreading financial risk among partners. SCHCS human resource personnel encourage employees to stay within the organization if they must relocate or are looking for career advancement. Members use a systemswide brochure to recruit nurses and allied health professionals. To attract employees from outside SCHCS, human resource personnel join forces at trade association conferences, job fairs, and school career days. SCHCS human resource personnel recruit and select values-oriented employees. Values-based human resource guidelines provide a framework for SCHCS members to assess how effectively the core values and mission are demonstrated in policies, programs, procedures, behaviors, and culture.