National Voice for Information about HIV Infections: The Italian State AIDS Hot-Line

• NCJ Number: 124432
• Journal: Public Health Volume: 103 Issue: 6 Dated: (November 1989) Pages: 447-454
• Author(s): M Tumbarello; M Giuliani; P Benedetti; P Pezzotti; C Valdarchi; D Abeni; M Di Fabio; C Oliva; F Ricci; B Suligoi; D Greco
• Date Published: 1989
• Length: 8 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Program Description (Model)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

In June 1987, the Italian Ministry of Health established a hotline to dispense information about HIV infection.

Abstract

The toll-free hotline is answered by five specially selected and trained physicians and one psychologist. Information and health education about HIV infections, referral to clinical and diagnostic centers, and counseling for people at risk and affected with HIV are offered. Of the 39,000 calls received during the first year of activity, 67 percent of the callers belong to the 20-39 age group; the male/female ratio is 2:1. Interesting correlations have been found between the content of the questions and the sex, age, and type of caller. The vast majority of questions concerning basic concepts and notions about HIV infections are asked by no-risk-related subjects. During the first year, the percentage of questions asked by subjects actually at risk increased, and the questions themselves have become more specific. 4 figures, 1 table, 8 references.