The primary objective of this research was to increase understanding of how women in the Maritime Provinces of Canada learn about the HIV/AIDS epidemic. This research utilised a qualitative approach with specific methods including interviews, joint interviews and focus groups. Overall 44 women participated in this research. The data was analysed using a thematic approach. The main findings of this research are that (1) women in the Maritime Provinces of Canada may have incomplete information about HIV/AIDS and sexual health due to limited experience with the HIV/AIDS epidemic; (2) violence greatly affects the lives of women in this region; and (3) informal learning is the most important factor that determines what Maritime women know about HIV/AIDS. A primary recommendation from this research is that when working with adult women to increase their understanding of HIV/AIDS it is helpful to work within a constructivist framework in order to develop a deeper understanding of the magnitude and potential outcomes of the HIV/AIDS epidemic.