Abstract
Objective: To evaluate the knowledge about VIH/SIDA of homeless people. Methods: A cross - sectional study was carried out at the Center of Specialized Reference for Population in Situation of the Street (POP Center), in a capital city of Northeast Brazil, from August 2018 to February 2019, through non - probabilistic sampling for convenience. The VIH Knowledge Questionnaire (VIH-K-Q) instrument’s was applied. Variance and alpha of Cronbach and chi-square test were performed for association. Results: 50 homeless people were approached, the majority being male (86%), the median age was 35 years and (56%) had complete elementary education. The population studied had low correct knowledge about VIH, where only 10 items evaluated reached 70% of correct answers, this knowledge was associated with the variables age range and marital status. Conclusion: The population studied has low knowledge about VIH. Being young and single adult was associated with low correct knowledge. There’s an urgent need for guidelines on VIH prevention and other infections for this population.