Aiming to evaluate the level of knowledge and attitudes related to AIDS, a survey was conducted in a sample of 13-45 year-old dwellers from Rocinha slum, Rio de Janeiro. The "Rapid Survey Methodology" was adopted mainly because of its low cost and the possibility to get fast answering to the most relevant questions. Although most of the sample showed a good knowledge about the sexual transmission of HIV, over 50% referred to mosquito bite, blood donation and mouth kissing as ways of getting AIDS. In terms of condom use, only 57,6% of the respondents believe that this is a safe method for prevention, and 21,9% referred the eventual use of preservatives.
AIDS; HIV Transmission; Knowledge; Behaviours; Prevention
