[Utilization of qualitative and quantitative methods to study the attitudes and beliefs related to AIDS in a Montreal population of Haitian origin].

To determine attitudes and beliefs related to AIDS among the population of metropolitan Montreal of Haitian origin, we conducted serial cross-sectional surveys between 1987 and 1990 among a random sample of 777 men and women aged 15 to 39. Data on perceived risk of AIDS and attitudes towards HIV testing were collected in home settings using a combination of face-to-face structured interviews and a self-administered questionnaire. Multivariate analysis was conducted to determine predictors of attitudes towards people with HIV. The fear of being infected with HIV is great in this population. The social representation of illness in this community is very much influenced by religious beliefs. Scores for the five-item scale suggest only moderately favourable attitudes towards persons with HIV compared to Montrealers in general. Attitudes towards persons with AIDS were positively associated with years of schooling and a higher perceived risk of getting infected (p < or = 0.01).