This paper focuses on cognitive aspects related to HIV/AIDS by presenting distinct subgroups of the Brazilian population. Four subgroups were created according to their different levels of knowledge regarding HIV/AIDS and risk perception: subgroup 1 (no awareness and no risk perception); subgroup 2 (no awareness, with some risk perception); subgroup 3 (some awareness and no risk perception); and subgroup 4 (some awareness and some risk perception). The data come from the National Survey on Sexual Behavior and HIV/AIDS Risk Perception in the Brazilian Population, conducted by CEBRAP (the Brazilian Analysis and Planning Agency) together with the Ministry of Health, in 1998. The study highlights that in 1998, slightly over half of the Brazilian population were minimally aware of HIV transmission processes. Analysis of demographic and socioeconomic characteristics associated with protective behavior against HIV/AIDS showed that approximately 23% of the study population belonged to subgroup 1 - with no awareness and no risk perception - and were thus highly vulnerable to infection.
HIV; Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome; Risk
