Determinants of comprehensive knowledge of HIV/AIDS among reproductive age (15-49 years) women in Ethiopia: further analysis of 2016 Ethiopian demographic and health survey

Determinants of comprehensive knowledge of HIV transmission and prevention among women of reproductive age 15-49 years in Nigeria

Comprehensive knowledge of HIV transmission and prevention has been reported as a necessary factor for ending the HIV epidemic. Women of reproductive age identified as a vulnerable group to HIV infection require this knowledge to prevent contracting HIV infection. Therefore, this study aimed to identify those factors that impact these women's comprehensive knowledge of HIV transmission and prevention. This study used secondary data from the 2018 Nigerian Demographic and Health Survey. A weighted sample of women of reproductive age with complete data on the determinants and comprehensive knowledge of HIV was included in each analysis. The Chi-square test of Independence was used to determine the association between the determinants and the dependent variable. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression analysis was done to predict the effects of the determinants on the comprehensive knowledge of women of reproductive age. Variables with a p-value of ≤ .01 were considered statistically significant determinants of comprehensive knowledge of HIV transmission and prevention. The findings showed that women of reproductive age with no or lower level of education, living in rural areas, poor wealth index, do not listen or listen less frequently to radio, and watch television less frequently were more likely to have comprehensive knowledge of HIV transmission and prevention at Alpha = .01. The number of women with comprehensive knowledge of HIV was low compared with those with no comprehensive knowledge. This is a concern that needs to be addressed. Further studies using primary data to validate the findings of this study that individuals with no or lower level of education, living in rural areas, poorer or middle wealth index, do not listen or listen less frequently to radio and do not watch or watch less frequently television were more likely to have comprehensive knowledge of HIV transmission and prevention are recommended.

Knowledge, and utilization of HIV self-testing, and its associated factors among women in sub-Saharan Africa: evidence from 21 countries demographic and health survey

BACKGROUND

HIV Self-Testing (HIVST) holds great significance in the fight against the HIV epidemic in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). It offers a convenient and confidential option for individuals to know their HIV status and seek appropriate care and support. For women in this region, where stigma, discrimination, and lack of access to healthcare services are prevalent, HIVST can empower them to take control of their health and make informed decisions. However, no study in the region has been conducted on this topic. Hence, this study aimed to fill the evidence, and population gaps by identifying women's HIVST knowledge, and utilization, and its associated factors in SSA.

METHODS

The data used were gathered from the most recent demographic and health surveys conducted in SSA nations between 2015 and 2022. We incorporated DHS data from 21 countries into our investigation. For our analysis, we used a weighted sample of 270,241 women overall was utilized. To handle both individual and community level factors, a multilevel logistic regression was used for the analysis. The adjusted odds ratio and its 95% confidence interval were then presented, and variables with univariate multilevel regression p-values of ≤ 0.25 and in multivariable multilevel logistic regression < 0.05 p value were considered significant factors of HIVST.

RESULTS

The overall prevalence of knowledge, and utilization of HIVST among women was about 2.17 (95% CI: 2.12, 2.23) only. Women aged 25-34 years old (AOR = 1.78, 95% CI: 1.65,1.92), and 35-49 years old (AOR = 1.33, 95% CI: 1.22,1.46), primary education(AOR = 1.25, 95%CI: 1.12, 1.38), and secondary/higher education (AOR = 3.08, 95% CI: 2.79, 3.41), poorer (AOR = 1.22, 95% CI: 1.08, 1.38), middle (AOR = 1.19, 95% CI: 1.06, 1.37), richer (AOR = 1.45, 95% CI 1.45, 1.64), and richest (AOR = 1.81, 95% CI: 1.59, 2.05), employed (AOR = 1.73 05% CI: 1.62, 1.85), mass media exposure (AOR = 1.39, 95% CI: 1.31, 1.49), knew modern contraception (AOR = 2.75, 95% CI: 1.84, 4.13), health facility delivery (AOR = 1.17, 95% CI: 1.02, 1.37), being from urban (AOR = 1.53, 95% CI: 1.63, 1.73), divorced or widowed (AOR = 77, 95% CI:1.13, 1.34), have more than one sexual partners (AOR =, 95% CI: 1.24, 1.41), heard about STIs (AOR 7.47 =, 95% CI: 5.16, 10.81), high community ANC coverage (AOR = 1.46, 95% CI: 1.31, 1.63), high community mass media (AOR = 1.37 95% CI: 1.21, 1.56), Central/Southern Africa (AOR = 0.66 95% CI: 0.59,0.74), and East Africa regions (AOR = 0.87 95% CI: 0.81,0.94) were associated with the knowledge and utilization of HIVST.

CONCLUSIONS

The level of knowledge and utilization of HIVST among women in SSA was very low. To improve this situation, maternal health services can be enhanced. This can be achieved by facilitating institutional delivery, promoting access to modern contraception, increasing ANC coverage, empowering women's associations, creating culturally respectful mass media content, and involving rural and economically disadvantaged women. By implementing these measures, we can enhance women's knowledge and improve their use of HIVST.

Spatial variation and predictors of composite index of HIV/AIDS knowledge, attitude and behaviours among Ethiopian women: A spatial and multilevel analyses of the 2016 Demographic Health Survey

BACKGROUND

Although the dissemination of health information is one of the pillars of HIV prevention efforts in Ethiopia, a large segment of women in the country still lack adequate HIV/AIDS knowledge, attitude, and behaviours. Despite many studies being conducted in Ethiopia, they mostly focus on the level of women's knowledge about HIV/AIDS, failing to examine composite index of knowledge, attitude, and behaviour (KAB) domains comprehensively. In addition, the previous studies overlooked individual and community-level, and spatial predictors. Hence, this study aimed to estimate the prevalence, geographical variation (Hotspots), spatial predictors, and multilevel correlates of inadequate HIV/AIDS-Knowledge, Attitude, and Behaviour (HIV/AIDS-KAB) among Ethiopian women.

METHODS

The study conducted using the 2016 Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey data, included 12,672 women of reproductive age group (15-49 years). A stratified, two-stage cluster sampling technique was used; a random selection of enumeration areas (clusters) followed by selecting households per cluster. Composite index of HIV/AIDS-KAB was assessed using 11 items encompassing HIV/AIDS prevention, transmission, and misconceptions. Spatial analysis was carried out using Arc-GIS version 10.7 and SaTScan version 9.6 statistical software. Spatial autocorrelation (Moran's I) was used to determine the non-randomness of the spatial variation in inadequate knowledge about HIV/AIDS. Multilevel multivariable logistic regression was performed, with the measure of association reported using adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with its corresponding 95% CI.

RESULTS

The prevalence of inadequate HIV/AIDS-KAB among Ethiopian women was 48.9% (95% CI: 48.1, 49.8), with significant spatial variations across regions (global Moran's I = 0.64, p<0.001). Ten most likely significant SaTScan clusters were identified with a high proportion of women with inadequate KAB. Somali and most parts of Afar regions were identified as hot spots for women with inadequate HIV/AIDS-KAB. Higher odds of inadequate HIV/AIDS-KAB was observed among women living in the poorest wealth quintile (AOR = 1.63; 95% CI: 1.21, 2.18), rural residents (AOR = 1.62; 95% CI: 1.18, 2.22), having no formal education (AOR = 2.66; 95% CI: 2.04, 3.48), non-autonomous (AOR = 1.71; 95% CI: (1.43, 2.28), never listen to radio (AOR = 1.56; 95% CI: (1.02, 2.39), never watched television (AOR = 1.50; 95% CI: 1.17, 1.92), not having a mobile phone (AOR = 1.45; 95% CI: 1.27, 1.88), and not visiting health facilities (AOR = 1.46; 95% CI: 1.28, 1.72).

CONCLUSION

The level of inadequate HIV/AIDS-KAB in Ethiopia was high, with significant spatial variation across regions, and Somali, and Afar regions contributed much to this high prevalence. Thus, the government should work on integrating HIV/AIDS education and prevention efforts with existing reproductive health services, regular monitoring and evaluation, and collaboration and partnership to tackle this gap. Stakeholders in the health sector should strengthen their efforts to provide tailored health education, and information campaigns with an emphasis on women who lack formal education, live in rural areas, and poorest wealth quintile should be key measures to enhancing knowledge. enhanced effort is needed to increase women's autonomy to empower women to access HIV/AIDS information. The media agencies could prioritise the dissemination of culturally sensitive HIV/AIDS information to women of reproductive age. The identified hot spots with relatively poor knowledge of HIV/AIDS should be targeted during resource allocation and interventions.

A multilevel analysis of the determinants of HIV testing among men in Sub-Saharan Africa: Evidence from Demographic and Health Surveys across 10 African countries

Sub-Saharan Africa, the epicenter of the HIV epidemic, has seen significant reductions in new infections over the last decade. Although most new infections have been reported among women, particularly adolescent girls, men are still disadvantaged in accessing HIV testing, care, and treatment services. Globally, men have relatively poorer HIV testing, care, and treatment indices when compared with women. Gender norms and the associated concept of masculinity, strength, and stereotypes have been highlighted as hindering men's acceptance of HIV counseling and testing. Therefore, men's suboptimal uptake of HIV testing services will continue limiting efforts to achieve HIV epidemic control. Thus, this study aimed to identify individual, neighborhood, and country-level determinants of sub-optimal HIV testing among men in Sub-Saharan African countries. We analyzed demographic and health datasets from surveys conducted between 2016 and 2020 in Sub-Saharan African Countries. We conducted multivariable multilevel regression analysis on 52,641 men aged 15-49 years resident in 4,587 clusters across 10 countries. The primary outcome variable was ever tested for HIV. HIV testing services uptake among men in these ten Sub-Saharan African countries was 35.1%, with a high of 65.5% in Rwanda to a low of 10.2% in Guinea. HIV testing services uptake was more likely in men with increasing age, some form of formal education, in employment, ever married, and residents in relatively wealthier households. We also found that men who possessed health insurance, had some form of weekly media exposure, and had accessed the internet were more likely to have ever received an HIV test. Unlike those noted to be less likely to have ever received an HIV test if they had discriminatory attitudes towards HIV, comprehensive HIV knowledge, recent sexual activity, and risky sexual behavior were positive predictors of HIV testing services uptake among men. Furthermore, men in communities with high rurality and illiteracy were less likely to receive an HIV test. Individual and community-level factors influence the uptake of HIV testing among Sub-Saharan African men. There was evidence of geographical clustering in HIV testing uptake among men at the community level, with about two-thirds of the variability attributable to community-level factors. Therefore, HIV testing programs will need to design interventions that ensure equal access to HIV testing services informed by neighborhood socioeconomic conditions, peculiarities, and contexts.

Comprehensive HIV knowledge and associated factors among reproductive-age women: analysis of the Gambia Demographic and Health Survey 2019/2020

INTRODUCTION

Globally, there are 37.7 million people living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). So far, there is no study done in Gambia which assessed comprehensive HIV knowledge and its associated factors. Therefore, this study aims to assess comprehensive HIV knowledge and its associated factors among reproductive-age women in Gambia.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the prevalence of comprehensive HIV knowledge and its associated factors among reproductive-age women in Gambia.

METHODS

The study used the Gambian Demographic and Health Survey, which was conducted from 21 November 2019 to 30 March 2020 in Gambia. The survey employed a stratified two-stage cluster sampling technique to recruit study participants. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify factors associated with HIV comprehensive knowledge. Statistical significance was declared at a P value of less than 0.05 with a 95% confidence interval (CI).

RESULTS

The overall prevalence of comprehensive HIV knowledge was 27.1% (25.1-36.2%). Older age [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) of 1.20 (95% CI 1.16-1.26)], using contraceptive [AOR of 1.15 (95% CI 1.01-1.31)], higher education [AOR of 4.73 (95% CI 3.86-5.81)], rich wealth quintile [AOR of 1.61 (95% CI 1.37-1.87)], media exposure [AOR of 1.76 (95% CI 1.39-2.23)], ever tested for HIV [AOR of 1.55 (95% CI 1.42-1.74)], visited health facility within the last 12 months [AOR of 1.26 (95% CI 1.12-1.41)] and decision-making autonomy [AOR of 1.42 (95% CI 1.27-1.60)] were positively associated with comprehensive HIV knowledge. However, being married [AOR of 0.72 (95% CI 0.62-0.82)] was negatively associated with comprehensive HIV knowledge.

CONCLUSIONS

The prevalence of comprehensive HIV knowledge was low in Gambia. Educational interventions that focused mainly on awareness creation about HIV/AIDS should be designed especially for married women and lower socio-economic status. An effort has to be made to address those disparities at the national level.

The Association Between HIV-Related Stigma and the Uptake of HIV Testing and ART Among Older Adults in Rural South Africa: Findings from the HAALSI Cohort Study

HIV testing and antiretroviral therapy (ART) remain critical for curbing the spread of HIV/AIDS, but stigma can impede access to these services. Using data from the Health and Aging in Africa: A Longitudinal Study of an INDEPTH Community in South Africa (HAALSI), we used a multivariable logistic regression to examine the correlation between HIV-related stigma, HIV testing and ART uptake in older adults. We used four questions to measure stigma, with three assessing social stigma (reflecting social distancing preferences) and one assessing anticipated stigma (disclosure concern). We combined the three social stigma questions to generate a social stigma score ranging from 0 to 3, with higher scores indicating higher stigma. Anticipated stigma was prevalent 85% (95% CI 0.84-0.86), and social stigma was also frequent 25% (95% CI 0.24-0.27). Higher social stigma scores correlated with decreased HIV testing for all participants with social stigma. Compared to those with a score of 0, odds of testing decreased with higher stigma scores (OR = 0.66, 95% CI 0.53-0.81, p = 0.000) for a score of 1 and (OR = 0.56, 95% CI 0.38-0.83, p = 0.004) for a score of 3. ART uptake also decreased with higher social stigma scores among people living with HIV (PLWH), although it was significant for those with a score of 2 (OR = 0.41, 95% CI 0.19-0.87, p = 0.020). These findings emphasize that HIV-related stigma hampers testing and ART uptake among older adults in rural South Africa. Addressing stigma is crucial for improving testing rates, early diagnosis, and treatment initiation among the older population and achieving UNAIDS 95-95-95 targets.

Comprehensive knowledge about HIV/AIDS and associated factors among reproductive age women in Liberia

INTRODUCTION

Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) continues to be a deadly pandemic and a serious threat to public health. Globally, reproductive age women are more likely to be infected with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). Comprehensive knowledge about HIV/AIDS is pivotal in the fight against AIDS. However, comprehensive HIV/AIDS knowledge is low in Sub-Saharan African (SSA) nations including Liberia, which contributes to the high incidence of HIV in these nations. This study assessed the level of comprehensive knowledge about HIV/AIDS and its associated factors among reproductive age women in Liberia.

METHODS

The prevalence and associated factors of comprehensive knowledge about HIV/AIDS among reproductive age women in Liberia were determined using secondary data analysis of 2019-2020 Liberia Demographic and Health Surveys (LDHS). Comprehensive knowledge about HIV/AIDS was a composite variable computed from six variables available in the Demographic and Health Survey (DHS). The study included 7,621 reproductive age women in weighted samples. A generalized linear mixed model with robust error variance was used. For the variables included in the final model, adjusted prevalence ratios (aPR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated.

RESULTS

The prevalence of comprehensive HIV/AIDS knowledge among Liberian women aged 15-49 was 33.5%. Women's age and education, and distance to health facility were positively associated with comprehensive knowledge about HIV/AIDS among Liberian reproductive age women. In contrast, community poverty level was negatively associated with comprehensive knowledge about HIV/AIDS.

CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS

This study demonstrates that the prevalence of good comprehensive HIV/AIDS knowledge was relatively low among reproductive age women in Liberia. Hence, health practitioners and policymakers should strengthen HIV/AIDS sensitization programmes to increase women's knowledge about HIV/AIDS.

Spatial variation of premarital HIV testing and its associated factors among married women in Ethiopia: Multilevel and spatial analysis using 2016 demographic and health survey data

BACKGROUND

Africa is the most severely affected area, accounting for more than two-thirds of the people living with HIV. In sub-Saharan Africa, more than 85% of new HIV-infected adolescents and 63% of all new HIV infections are accounted for by women. Ethiopia has achieved a 50% incidence rate reduction. However, mortality rate reduction is slow, as the estimated prevalence in 2021 is 0.8%. In sub-Saharan Africa, heterosexual transmission accounts for the majority of HIV infections, and women account for 58% of people living with HIV. Most of these transmissions took place during marriage. Thus, this study aimed to explore the spatial variation of premarital HIV testing across regions of Ethiopia and identify associated factors.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study design was employed. A total of 10223 weighted samples were taken from individual datasets of the 2016 Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey. STATA version 14 and ArcGIS version 10.8 software's were used for analysis. A multilevel mixed-effect generalized linear model was fitted, and an adjusted prevalence Ratio with a 95% CI and p-value < 0.05 was used to declare significantly associated factors. Multilevel models were compared using information criteria and log-likelihood. Descriptive and spatial regression analyses (geographical weighted regression and ordinary least squares analysis) were conducted. Models were compared using AICc and adjusted R-squared. The local coefficients of spatial explanatory variables were mapped.

RESULTS

In spatial regression analysis, secondary and above education level, richer and above wealth quintile, household media exposure, big problem of distance to health facility, having high risky sexual behaviour and knowing the place of HIV testing were significant explanatory variables for spatial variation of premarital HIV testing among married women. While in the multilevel analysis, age, education level, religion, household media exposure, wealth index, khat chewing, previous history of HIV testing,age at first sex, HIV related knowledge, HIV related stigma, distance to health facility, and community level media exposure were associated with premarital HIV testing among married women.

CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATION

Premarital HIV testing had a significant spatial variation across regions of Ethiopia. A statistically significant clustering of premarital HIV testing was observed at Addis Ababa, Dire Dawa, North Tigray and some parts of Afar and Amhara regions. Therefore area based prevention and interventional strategies are required at cold spot areas to halt the role of heterosexual transmission in HIV burden. Moreover, the considering the spatial explanatory variables effect in implementations of these strategies rather than random provision of service would make regional health care delivery systems more cost-effective.

Socioeconomic inequality in knowledge about HIV/AIDS over time in Ethiopia: A population-based study

Socioeconomic inequality in comprehensive knowledge about HIV/AIDS can hinder progress towards ending the epidemic threat of this disease. To address the knowledge gap, it is essential to investigate inequality in HIV/AIDS services. This study aimed to investigate socioeconomic inequality, identify contributors, and analyze the trends in inequality in comprehensive knowledge about HIV/AIDS among adults in Ethiopia. A cross-sectional study was conducted using 2005, 2011, and 2016 population-based health survey data. The sample size was 18,818 in 2005, 29,264 in 2011, and 27,261 in 2016. Socioeconomic inequality in comprehensive knowledge about HIV/AIDS was quantified by using a concentration curve and index. Subsequently, the decomposition of the concentration index was conducted using generalised linear regression with a logit link function to quantify covariates' contribution to wealth-based inequality. The Erreygers' concentration index was 0.251, 0.239, and 0.201 in 2005, 2011, and 2016, respectively. Watching television (24.2%), household wealth rank (21.4%), ever having been tested for HIV (15.3%), and education status (14.3%) took the significant share of socioeconomic inequality. The percentage contribution of watching television increased from 4.3% in 2005 to 24.2% in 2016. The household wealth rank contribution increased from 14.6% in 2005 to 21.38% in 2016. Education status contribution decreased from 16.2% to 14.3%. The percentage contribution of listening to the radio decreased from 16.9% in 2005 to -2.4% in 2016. The percentage contribution of residence decreased from 7.8% in 2005 to -0.5% in 2016. This study shows comprehensive knowledge about HIV/AIDS was concentrated among individuals with a higher socioeconomic status. Socioeconomic-related inequality in comprehensive knowledge about HIV/AIDS is woven deeply in Ethiopia, though this disparity has been decreased minimally. A combination of individual and public health approaches entangled in a societal system are crucial remedies for the general population and disadvantaged groups. This requires comprehensive interventions according to the primary health care approach.

Investigating factors affecting HIV/AIDS knowledge among women in low and middle-income countries in Asia

Sustainable Development Goal 3 focuses on reducing HIV/AIDS spread, for which disseminating correct information on the disease is required. This study investigated factors associated with HIV/AIDS knowledge among women in several Asian LMICs. Global Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey-6 (MICS-6) for Bangladesh, Lao, Mongolia and Nepal were assessed. Bivariate analysis and generalised linear regression models were fitted. Overall, 60% of the respondents were aware or heard of the existence of HIV/AIDS, with 63.2% having transmission knowledge and 80.4% misconception knowledge. Results revealed that several demographic factors such as wealth index, education and access to information had a significant association with HIV/AIDS knowledge. Mongolia and Nepal have formal programmes in place that may provide policy and implementation advantages compared to Bangladesh and Lao.

Determinants of HIV/Aids Knowledge Among Females in Somalia: Findings from 2018 to 2019 SDHS Data

Background

Immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), which is caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), has become a serious global public health concern, particularly in underdeveloped countries. Even though the fact that just a few case studies have addressed on the HIV/AIDS in the context of Somalia, to the best of our knowledge, no national-scale study on the topic has been attempted. Limited knowledge of HIV/AIDS is highlighted as one of the major factors linked to the high prevalence of HIV among female population. This study aims to fill this knowledge gap in the literature by investigating the effects of several sociodemographic factors on females' knowledge about HIV/AIDS in Somalia.

Methods

Secondary data from the Somalia Demographic Health Survey 2018-19 were used in this study. A total of 16,335 women between the ages of 15 and 49 who fit our inclusion criteria have been chosen. The application of multiple logistic regressions was then performed to see if the predictors had a significant association with knowledge of HIV/AIDS.

Findings

Women aged 35-39 (AOR = 1.608; 95% CI: 1.372-1.886), women lived in urban (AOR: 2.833, 95% CI: 2.246-3.572), Women's education (AOR: 2.246, 95% CI: 1.988-2.537), frequency of listening to a radio (AOR = 2.312; 95% CI: 1.995-2.679), and frequency of watching television (AOR = 3.936; 95% CI: 3.445-4.497) were significantly related with current knowledge about HIV/AIDS among eligible women in Somalia.

Conclusion

This study highlights the importance of mass media (TV and radio) interventions, education, and place of habitation as the main significant predictors of women's knowledge of HIV/AIDS in Somalia. Based on the study, women are more likely to be aware of HIV/AIDS as their education level, frequency of listening a radio and watching a television watching rises. The research additionally indicates that women who reside in urban centers are nearly three times more likely than women who live in nomadic areas to know more about HIV/AIDS.

Comprehensive knowledge about HIV/AIDS and associated factors among adolescent girls in Rwanda: a nationwide cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

Limited comprehensive knowledge of HIV/AIDS is highlighted as one of the major factors linked to the high prevalence of HIV among adolescents and young girls. Thus, it is crucial to identify factors that facilitate or hinder adolescent girls from having comprehensive knowledge of HIV/AIDS. We, therefore, assessed the prevalence of comprehensive knowledge about HIV/AIDS and associated factors among adolescent girls in Rwanda.

METHODS

We used secondary data from the Rwanda Demographic and Health Survey (RDHS) 2020 comprising 3258 adolescent girls (aged 15 to 19 years). Comprehensive knowledge was considered if an adolescent girl answered correctly all the six indicators; always using condoms during sex can reduce the risk of getting HIV, having one sexual partner only who has no other partners can reduce the risk of getting HIV, a healthy-looking person can have HIV, can get HIV from mosquito bites, can get HIV by sharing food with persons who have AIDS, and can get HIV by witchcraft or supernatural means. We, then, conducted multivariable logistic regression to explore the associated factors, using SPSS (version 25).

RESULTS

Of the 3258 adolescent girls, 1746 (53.6%, 95%CI: 52.2-55.6) had comprehensive knowledge about HIV/AIDS. Adolescent girls with secondary education (AOR = 1.40, 95% CI: 1.13-3.20), health insurance (AOR = 1.39, 95% CI: 1.12-1.73), a mobile phone (AOR = 1.26, 95% CI: 1.04-1.52), exposure to television (AOR = 1.23, 95% CI: 1.05-1.44), and a history of an HIV test (AOR = 1.26, 95% CI: 1.07-1.49) had higher odds of comprehensive HIV knowledge, compared to their respective counterparts. However, girls residing in Kigali (AOR = 0.65, 95% CI: 0.49-0.87) and Northern (AOR = 0.75, 95% CI: 0.59-0.95) regions, and those of Anglican religion (AOR = 0.82, 95% CI: 0.68-0.99) had less odds of comprehensive knowledge compared to those in Southern region and of the Catholic religion.

CONCLUSIONS

To increase the comprehensive understanding of the disease at a young age, the need for expanded access to HIV preventive education through formal educational curriculum, and mass and social media via mobile phones is highlighted. In addition, the continued involvement of key decision-makers and community actors, such as religious leaders, is vital.

Socioeconomic Inequality in Knowledge About HIV and Its Contributing Factors Among Women of Reproductive Age in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Multicountry and Decomposition Analysis

Aim

To examine the socioeconomic inequality in knowledge about HIV and its contributing factors among women of reproductive age in sub-Saharan Africa.

Methods

We have used the most recent demographic and health survey data of the 15 sub-Saharan African countries. 204,495 women of reproductive age made up the entire weighted sample. Erreygers normalized concentration index (ECI) was utilized to evaluate socioeconomic inequality in knowledge about HIV. The variables that contributed to the observed socioeconomic inequality were determined using decomposition analysis.

Results

We found the pro-rich inequality in knowledge about HIV (the weighted ECI was 0.16 with a Standard error = 0.007 and P value< 0.001). The decomposition analysis indicated that educational status (46.10%), wealth status (30.85%), listening to the radio (21.73%), and reading newspapers (7.05%) were among the contributors to the pro-rich socioeconomic inequalities in knowledge about HIV.

Conclusion

Having knowledge about HIV is concentrated among rich reproductive-age women. Educational status, wealth status, and media exposure were the major contributors and should be a priority for interventions to reduce the inequality in knowledge about HIV.

Individual and community-level determinants and spatial distribution of prenatal HIV test uptake in Ethiopia: Spatial and multilevel analysis

Introduction

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) testing and counseling services are routine prenatal care services for the prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV. Although the prevalence of HIV infection is high among women, evidence suggests that the uptake of HIV testing during prenatal services in Ethiopia is scarce. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate individual- and community-level determinants and the spatial distribution of prenatal HIV test uptake in Ethiopia based on the 2016 Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey.

Methods

Data were accessed from the 2016 Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey. A total weighted sample of 4,152 women aged 15-49 years who gave birth in the 2 years preceding the survey were included in the analysis. The Bernoulli model was fitted using SaTScan V.9.6 to identify cold-spot areas and ArcGIS V.10.7 to explore the spatial distribution of prenatal HIV test uptake. Stata version 14 software was used to extract, clean, and analyze the data. A multilevel logistic regression model was used to identify the individual- and community-level determinants of prenatal HIV test uptake. An adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with a corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI) was used to declare significant determinants of prenatal HIV test uptake.

Results

The prevalence of HIV test uptake was 34.66% (95% CI: 33.23, 36.13%). The spatial analysis revealed that the distribution of prenatal HIV test uptake was significantly varied across the country. In the multilevel analysis, the following individual and community-level determinants were significantly associated with prenatal HIV test uptake: women who attained primary education (AOR = 1.47, 95% CI: 1.15, 1.87) and secondary and higher education (AOR = 2.03, 95% CI: 1.32, 3.11); women from middle (AOR = 1.46; 95% CI: 1.11, 1.91) and rich household wealth status (AOR = 1.81; 95% CI: 1.36, 2.41); those who had health facility visits in the last 12 months (AOR = 2.17; 95% CI: 1.77, 2.66); women who had higher (AOR = 2,07; 95% CI: 1.66, 2.59) and comprehensive HIV-related knowledge (AOR = 2.90; 95% CI: 2.09, 4.04); women who had moderate (AOR = 1.61; 95% CI: 1.27, 2.04), lower (AOR = 1.52; 95% CI: 1.15, 1.99), and no stigma attitudes (AOR = 2.67; 95% CI: 1.43, 4.99); those who had awareness of MTCT (AOR = 1.83; 95% CI: 1.50, 2.24); those from rural areas (AOR = 0.31; 95% CI: 0.16, 0.61); high community level of education for women (AOR =1.61; 95% CI: 1.04, 2.52); and those living in large central (AOR = 0.37; 95% CI: 0.15, 0.91) and small peripheral areas (AOR = 0.22; 95% CI: 0.08, 0.60).

Conclusion

In Ethiopia, prenatal HIV test uptake had significant spatial variations across the country. Both individual- and community-level determinants were found to be associated with prenatal HIV test uptake in Ethiopia. Hence, the impact of these determinants should be recognized while developing strategies in "cold spot" areas of prenatal HIV test uptake to enhance prenatal HIV test uptake in Ethiopia.

Prevalence of HIV/AIDS Infection among Sexually Active Women in Ethiopia: Further Analysis of 2016 EDHS

Background

The issue of HIV/AIDS is prevalent around the world and in Ethiopia as well. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and risk factors of HIV/AIDS infection among sexually active women in Ethiopia.

Methods

For this study, data were obtained from the Ethiopia Demographic and Health Survey conducted in 2016. This study contains 11,729 women who have had at least one episode of sexual intercourse in their lifetime. Interviewers for voluntary HIV testing collected finger-prick blood specimens from women who agreed to be tested for HIV. Based on factors at the individual and community levels, a multilevel logistic regression model was used.

Results

The study found that 2% of 11,729 sexually active women tested positive for HIV from all regions who received voluntary counseling and testing. The intraclass correlation coefficient findings showed that 32.844% of HIV/AIDS transmission among sexually active women was the result of community-level factors. Variables at the individual level were women of age 16–24 (AOR = 0.18; 95% CI: 0.11–0.29), women of age 25–34 (AOR = 0.733; 95% CI: 0.55–0.98), women with primary education level (AOR = 1.8; 95% CI: 1.23–2.57), more than one sexual accomplice (AOR = 1.33; 95% CI: 0.613–2.87), and women's age at first sexual intercourse between 25 and 34 (AOR = 0.57, 95% CI: 0.301, 1.06); these were the most significant determinants of HIV/AIDS infection. According to community-level factors, there was a lower HIV prevalence rate among rural women (AOR = 0.22; 95 percent CI: 0.13–0.36), and women in the Gambela region (AOR = 4.1; 95 percent CI: 1.99–8.34) also had higher HIV prevalence rates.

Conclusions

The prevalence of HIV infection among sexually active women varies by region, with urban women more likely to contract the virus. Women who had more than one regular sexual partner and had their first sexual encounter at a younger age are at an increased risk of contracting HIV/AIDS. According to the study, the government should focus more support on high-risk clusters, mainly in urban areas, as well as on regions with high rates of HIV/AIDS infection.

Socio-Economic and Demographic Factors Associated with Knowledge and Attitude of HIV/AIDS among Women Aged 15–49 Years Old in Indonesia

Women’s susceptibility to HIV/AIDS infection is related to socio-economic and demographic factors. This study sought to analyze socio-economic and demographic factors related to knowledge and attitude of HIV/AIDS among women aged 15–49 years old in Indonesia. We conducted a secondary data analysis using the 2017 Indonesian Demographic and Health Survey (IDHS). Among 49,627 women, our study analyzed 25,895 women aged 15–49 years familiar with HIV terminology. Multiple logistic regression was utilized to analyze associations between socio-economic and demographic factors with knowledge and attitudes toward HIV/AIDS. Women’s age, education level, wealth quintile, residential area and region, access to information, owning cell phones and autonomy were significantly associated with positive knowledge and attitudes toward HIV/AIDS. These findings revealed that several demographical and social factors contribute to knowledge and attitudes toward HIV/AIDS among women aged 15–49 years in Indonesia.

Factors Associated with HIV Testing among Reproductive Women Aged 15-49 Years in the Gambia: Analysis of the 2019-2020 Gambian Demographic and Health Survey

Voluntary counselling and testing for Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) has always been one of the key policy interventions in the management and control of HIV/AIDS transmission. However, the prevalence of HIV testing among reproductive women in the Gambia remains low despite near universal information about HIV and Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) in the Gambia. Understanding factors influencing HIV testing uptake provides empirical data for the development of targeted evidenced-based strategies aimed at enhancing HIV testing uptake. Therefore, this study examined the factors associated with HIV testing among reproductive women aged 15−49 years in the Gambia. Data on weighted sample of 11,865 women from the 2019−2020 Gambia Demographic and Health Survey were analyzed in this study. Chi square, bivariate and multivariate logistic regression models were fitted and analysis conducted through Complex Samples Analysis in Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). Level of significance was set at p < 0.05 and 95% CI. Further analysis was conducted to determine the variability in HIV testing among women stratified by rural and urban centers. Prevalence of HIV testing among reproductive women was 42.1% (95% CI = 40.1−44.2%) in the Gambia. Women aged 20−24 years and 25−29 years (aOR = 3.10, 95% CI = 2.51−3.83) and (aOR = 4.52, 95% CI = 3.61−5.54) were more likely to test for HIV than those aged 15−19 years, respectively. Married women (aOR = 5.90, 95% CI = 4.84−7.02) were more likely to test for HIV compared to those who were not in any union. Respondents with higher education in urban centers (aOR = 2.65, 95% CI = 2.08−3.86) were likely to test for HIV compared to those in rural areas. HIV testing in the Gambia among reproductive women is low. Age, marital status, wealth index, place of residence, educational level, recent sexual activity, previous history of risky sexual behaviors, and history of an STI were associated with HIV testing. Health interventions targeted at increasing HIV testing uptake should factor in these.

Women's decision-making capacity and its association with comprehensive knowledge of HIV/AIDS in 23 sub-Saharan African countries

BACKGROUND

Globally, Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) that causes Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) remains a public health problem with a higher burden in sub-Saharan African countries. Though the coverage is low in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), comprehensive knowledge about HIV is vital for preventing and controlling the transmission of the virus. Women's decision-making power is significantly linked with the knowledge and use of healthcare services. However, there is no available evidence on women's decision-making capacity and comprehensive knowledge of HIV. Therefore, this study investigated the association between women's decision-making capacity within households and comprehensive knowledge of HIV/AIDS in SSA.

METHODS

We derived data from the 2010 to 2020 Demographic and Health Surveys of 23 sub-Saharan African countries for the analysis. Using Stata version 14, both bivariate logistic regression and multivariate multilevel logistic regression analyses were used to examine the association between women's decision-making capacity and comprehensive knowledge of HIV/AIDS at p ≤ 0.05. Results were reported using adjusted odds ratios (aOR) with their respective 95% confidence interval (CI).

RESULTS

The pooled results show that comprehensive HIV/AIDS knowledge among married women in the studied countries was 35.5%, from 18.3% in Chad to 77.1% in Rwanda. Regarding sub-regional distribution, comprehensive knowledge of HIV/AIDS in Southern Africa was 73.2%, followed by East Africa (52.4%), West Africa (43.6%), and Central Africa (35.5%). The study showed higher odds of comprehensive knowledge of HIV/AIDS among married women who had decision making power (yes-aOR = 1.20, 95% CI; 1.16-1.25) compared to those who had no decision-making power. Age, women and partner's level of education, place of residence, exposure to media, HIV testing status, community socio-economic status, parity, religion, and distance to health facilities also had significant association with comprehensive HIV/AIDS knowledge.

CONCLUSIONS

Comprehensive knowledge of HIV/AIDS in SSA is low but varies per country. Married women with decision-making capacity were more likely to have comprehensive knowledge of HIV compared to those with no decision-making capacity. Therefore, comprehensive knowledge of HIV/AIDS can be increased through enhancing women's decision-making capacities, strengthening employment opportunities, socioeconomic capacities and creating awareness through media. Moreover, improving access to health care facilities working closely with religious leaders, can be considered to increase coverage of comprehensive knowledge of HIV among married women in SSA.

Comprehensive knowledge about HIV/AIDS and associated factors among women of reproductive age in sub-Saharan Africa: a multilevel analysis using the most recent demographic and health survey of each country

Background

Women of reproductive age in sub-Saharan African (SSA) share the greatest burden of the HIV/AIDS epidemic. Comprehensive knowledge about HIV is seen as pivotal in combating the epidemic. Therefore, this study aimed to assess comprehensive knowledge about HIV/AIDS and associated factors among women of reproductive age in sub-Saharan Africa.

Objective

To examine comprehensive knowledge about HIV/AIDS and associated factors among women of reproductive age in sub-Saharan Africa.

Methods

We used the most recent SSA countries Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS) data. To assess comprehensive knowledge, a composite score of six separate questions (can get HIV by witchcraft or supernatural means, can reduce risk of getting HIV by using condoms during sex, reduce the risk of getting HIV by having one sex partner only, can get HIV from mosquito bites, can get HIV by sharing food with a person who has HIV/AIDS, and a healthy-looking person can have HIV) was used. Those who answered all six questions correctly were considered to have comprehensive knowledge. To assess the factors associated with comprehensive knowledge of HIV/AIDS, we used a multilevel binary logistic regression model since the data had hierarchical nature.

Results

In this study, the comprehensive knowledge about HIV/AIDS was 38.56% (95% CI: 38.32, 38.75). Both individual and community-level factors were associated with comprehensive knowledge about HIV/AIDS. Among individual-level factors, older age, having primary and above educational level, being from wealthy households, contraceptive use, listening to the radio, and reading newspaper were associated with higher odds of comprehensive knowledge about HIV/AIDS. Being from urban areas and the Eastern African region were the community-level factors that were associated with higher odds of comprehensive knowledge about HIV/AIDS.

Conclusion

The study found that comprehensive knowledge of HIV/AIDS is low. Individual and community-level factors were associated with comprehensive knowledge of HIV/AIDS. Therefore, giving special attention to those young women, women who had no formal education, those from poor socioeconomic status, and those who are from remote areas could decrease the epidemics of HIV/AIDS by increasing the comprehensive knowledge about HIV/AIDS. Besides, it is better to strengthen media campaigns regarding HIV/AIDS to increase comprehensive knowledge about HIV/AIDS.

Factors influencing HIV testing and counselling services among men who have sex with men in Western China: a cross-sectional study based on Andersen’s Behavioral Model

Background

Men who have sex with men (MSM), as a marginal population, has been largely ignored by health service projects. We assessed the utilization of HIV testing and counselling services and its influencing factors based on Andersen’s Behavioral Model, so as to provide a theoretical basis for future infectious disease prevention and control strategies and health services policy formulation for these population.

Method

This was a cross-sectional study. A sample survey was conducted in Western China, and an anonymous self-administered questionnaire survey was conducted among MSM. Based on Andersen’s Behavioral Model, the questionnaire divided the influencing factors into predisposing factor, enabling factor and need factor. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to explore the factors influencing the utilization of HIV testing and counselling.

Results

There were 3184 valid questionnaires. In the survey of HIV health services, 82.85% MSM had HIV testing and 64.98% MSM had HIV counselling, respectively. Among the predisposing factor, age 25 years old and over was a facilitator of HIV testing and counselling, and ethnicity was a factor associated with HIV testing. Among the enabling factor, MSM living in urban were more likely to have access to testing and counselling services, and income was also linked to HIV testing. Among the need factor, a high level of HIV knowledge could promote testing and counselling, and a history of sexually transmitted diseases (STD) was a facilitator of testing.

Conclusions

HIV testing is widespread in Western China and higher than counselling service. MSM with high-risk characteristics should be identified as a priority in the future public health services.

Trend and Determinants of Mortality Among Women of Reproductive Age: A Twelve-Year Open Cohort Study in Eastern Ethiopia

Background: With only less than a decade left till 2030, it is essential to research the burden and trends of women of reproductive age (WRA) mortality in order to design appropriate interventions toward achieving goal three of the sustainable development goals (SDGs), good health and well-being. For several low-income countries, such data are often lacking or sometimes extrapolated from non-representative facility-based studies. In this paper, we presented trends, causes, and determinants of mortality among reproductive-age women under follow-up for 12 years through the Health and Demographic Surveillance System (HDSS) located in eastern Ethiopia.

Methods: We used 12 years of (2008 to 2019) open cohort data of women aged 15–49 living in Kersa HDSS in Eastern Ethiopia. In the HDSS, data on socio-demographic and basic household conditions are recorded for every household member at enrollment, and data on vital events such as births, deaths, and migration were collected and updated biannually as the event happened. Mortality was determined by automated verbal autopsy (InterVA) algorism. We assessed trends in women's reproductive age mortality and the associated determinants using crude and adjusted Cox regression models.

Results: In the 12-years cohort, we followed 74,790 women of reproductive age for 339,909.26 person-years-at-risk of observation (PYO), of whom 919 died. Overall, the standardized mortality rate was 270 per 100,000 PYO. There was a notable increase in mortality in the first 3 years (2009 to 2011) which then declined significantly (p = 0.0001) until 2019. Most of the deaths were caused by HIV/AIDS (27.88%) and pulmonary tuberculosis (10.62%). In the adjusted Cox regression analysis, the hazard of death was higher among rural residents (AHR, 2.03: 95% CI: 1.60–2.58), unemployed women (AHR, 1.50: 95% CI: 1.19–1.89), and women with no formal education (AHR, 1.24: 95% CI: 1.01–1.52).

Conclusion: The study showed a high number of women of reproductive age are still dying mainly due to causes for which preventable strategies are known and have been successfully implemented. The study identified that the main causes of death were related to HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis, and there was a higher hazard of mortality among rural residents, unemployed women, and those with no formal education, who need effective implementation in achieving the SDG three.

Factors associated with HIV testing and counselling services among women and men in Nepal: a cross-sectional study using data from a nationally representative survey

OBJECTIVES

This study is set up to explore the factors associated with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) testing among women and men in Nepal.

STUDY DESIGN

Nepal Demographic and Health Survey, 2016 adopts a cross-sectional design.

SETTING

Nepal.

PARTICIPANTS

Women and men of age 15-49 years.

PRIMARY OUTCOME MEASURES

Our primary outcome was ever tested for HIV. We used multivariable analysis at a 95% level of significance to measure the effect in outcome variables.

RESULTS

About one in 10 women (10.8%) and one in five men (20.5%) ever tested for HIV. Women who had media exposure at least once a week ((adjusted odds ratio (aOR)=2.8; 95% CI: 1.4 to 5.3) were more likely to get tested for HIV compared with those who had no media exposure at all. Similarly, those who had their recent delivery in the health facility (aOR=3.9; 95% CI: 2.4 to 6.3) were more likely to get tests for HIV compared with those delivered elsewhere. Likewise, among men, compared with adolescents (15-19 years), those from older age groups were more likely to get tested for HIV. Compared with no education, secondary (aOR=2.3; 95% CI: 1.4 to 3.6) and higher education (aOR=1.7; 95% CI: 1.0 to 2.8) had higher odds of getting tested for HIV. Similarly, wealth quintiles in richer and richest groups were more likely to get tested for HIV compared with the poorest quintile. Other characteristics like media exposure, paid sex and 2+ sexual partners were positively associated with being tested for HIV.

CONCLUSIONS

HIV testing is not widespread and more men than women are accessing HIV services. More than two-thirds of women who delivered at health facilities never tested for HIV. It is imperative to reach out to people engaging in risky sexual behaviour, people with lower educational attainment, and those in the lower wealth quintile for achieving 95-95-95 targets by 2030.

Individual-, household-, and community-level factors associated with pregnant married women's discriminatory attitude towards people living with HIV in sub-Saharan Africa: A multicountry cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Discriminatory attitude towards people living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) remains a major problem in the prevention and treatment of HIV in sub-Sahara Africa (SSA). Understanding the multiple factors linked to discriminatory attitude towards people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) in SSA is necessary for developing appropriate interventions. This study aimed at investigating the individual, household, and community-level factors associated with pregnant married women's discriminatory attitude towards people living with HIV/AIDS.

METHODS

We used data from the Demographic and Health Surveys of 12 sub-Saharan African countries conducted between 2015 and 2019. Data on 17 065 pregnant married women were analyzed. Bivariate (chi-squared test) and multivariable multilevel logistic regression analyses were applied to investigate the factors associated with discriminatory attitude towards PLWHA. The results were reported as adjusted odds ratio (aOR) at 95% confidence interval (CI).

RESULTS

The mean age of participants was 31.2 ± 8.5. The prevalence of discriminatory attitude towards PLWHA was 36.2% (95% CI: 33.4%-39.1%). Individual/household-level factors associated with discriminatory attitude towards PLWHA were women's educational level (secondary school-aOR = 0.49, 95% CI: 0.26-0.93), husband's educational level (higher education-aOR = 0.35, 95% CI: 0.16-0.76), decision-making power (yes-aOR = 0.51, 95% CI: 0.38-0.69), wife-beating attitude (disagreement with wife beating-aOR = 0.58, 95% CI: 0.43-0.79), and religion (Muslim-aOR = 1.92, 95% CI: 1.22-3.04). Community socioeconomic status (medium-aOR = 0.61, 95% CI: 0.41-0.93) was the only community-level factor associated with discriminatory attitude towards PLWHA.

CONCLUSION

More than one-third of pregnant married women in SSA had discriminatory attitude towards PLWHA. Women's educational level, husband's educational level, decision-making power, wife-beating attitude, religion, and community socio-economic status were associated with discriminatory attitude towards PLWHA. To lessen the prevalence of discriminatory attitude towards PLWHA, considering these significant factors is needed. Therefore, governments and other stakeholders in the respective countries need to increase education coverage. Moreover, empowering women through education and economy is crucial. Finally, working with religious leaders to increase awareness about HIV and discriminatory attitude towards PLWHA should also be a priority in SSA.

Comprehensive HIV/AIDS knowledge and HIV testing among men in sub-Saharan Africa: a multilevel modelling

This study investigated the association between comprehensive HIV/AIDS knowledge and HIV testing among men in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Data were taken from the most recent (2010-2019) Demographic and Health Survey men's recode files of 29 countries in SSA. A total of 104,398 men who had complete information on all the variables of interest were included in the study. The outcome variable was HIV testing. A multilevel logistic regression analysis was conducted to determine the association between comprehensive HIV/AIDS knowledge and HIV testing. The results of the fixed effects model were presented as adjusted odds ratios (AORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). The average prevalences of HIV testing and comprehensive HIV/AIDS knowledge among men in SSA were 53.5% and 50.8% respectively. Rwanda and Niger recorded the highest (93.6%) and lowest prevalences (9.8%) respectively. The prevalence of comprehensive HIV/AIDS knowledge among men in the 29 countries was 50.8%, with the highest in Rwanda (76.4%) and the lowest in Benin (31.1%). Men who had no comprehensive HIV/AIDS knowledge were less likely to test for HIV compared with those who had comprehensive HIV/AIDS knowledge (AOR=0.59, CI: 0.57-0.60). Men who were older than 20 years, married or cohabiting, with at least secondary education, in the richest wealth quintile, exposed to mass media, used condoms and with multiple sexual partners were more likely to test for HIV. To improve HIV testing among men in SSA, this study recommends that policymakers and stakeholders step up comprehensive HIV/AIDS knowledge sensitization and education using effective tools such as mass media.

Comprehensive HIV/AIDS knowledge and safer sex negotiation among adolescent girls and young women in sub-Saharan Africa

Globally, HIV/AIDS remains a public health issue, especially in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Despite the increased advocacy and dissemination of comprehensive HIV/AIDS information in SSA, it appears that little progress has been made to reduce the incidence of HIV/AIDS in the sub-region. This study, therefore, examined the association between comprehensive HIV/AIDS knowledge and safer sex negotiation among adolescent girls and young women in SSA. Data were taken from the Demographic and Health Surveys conducted between 2010 and 2019 in 30 countries in SSA. The study sample comprised 37,364 adolescent girls and young women aged 15-24. A multivariable binary logistic regression analysis was done to test the hypothesis that there is a positive association between comprehensive HIV/AIDS knowledge and safer sex negotiation. Adolescent girls and young women who had comprehensive knowledge on HIV/AIDS were more likely to negotiate for safer sex compared with those who had no comprehensive knowledge on HIV/AIDS (AOR=1.31, 95% CI: 1.22-1.41). At the country level, the positive association between comprehensive knowledge on HIV/AIDS and safer sex negotiation was significant in Chad, Congo DR, Gambia, Guinea, Liberia, Ethiopia and Malawi. On the other hand, in Togo, adolescent girls and young women who had comprehensive HIV/AIDS knowledge were less likely to negotiate for safer sex. These findings can inform policies and programmes on the crucial role of comprehensive HIV/AIDS education and knowledge in increasing safer sex negotiation among adolescent girls and young women in SSA. The study recommends that Togo needs to address certain practices such as intimate partner violence against adolescent girls and young women, which prevent them from negotiating for safer sex, despite their higher knowledge on comprehensive HIV/AIDS. Lessons can be learnt from Chad, Congo DR, Gambia, Guinea, Liberia, Ethiopia and Malawi about the scale-up of programmes and interventions targeted at young women.

Prevalence and correlates of comprehensive HIV/AIDS knowledge among adolescent girls and young women aged 15-24 years in Malawi: evidence from the 2015-16 Malawi demographic and health survey

Background

HIV epidemic remains a major public health issue in Malawi especially among adolescent girls and young women (AGYW). Comprehensive HIV/AIDS knowledge (defined as correct knowledge of two major ways of preventing the sexual transmission of HIV and rejection of three misconceptions about HIV) is a key component of preventing new HIV infections among AGYW. Therefore, the aim of this study was to identify the correlates of comprehensive HIV/AIDS knowledge among AGYW in Malawi.

Methods

The study was based on cross-sectional data from the 2015–2016 Malawi Demographic and Health Survey. It involved 10,422 AGYW aged 15–24 years. The outcome variable was comprehensive HIV/AIDS knowledge. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, bivariate and multivariable logistic regression model. All the analyses were performed using complex sample analysis procedure of the Statistical Package for Social Sciences to account for complex survey design.

Results

Approximately 42.2% of the study participants had comprehensive HIV/AIDS knowledge. Around 28% of the participants did not know that using condoms consistently can reduce the risk of HIV and 25% of the participants believed that mosquitoes could transmit HIV. Multivariable logistic regression model demonstrated that having higher education (AOR = 2.97, 95% CI: 2.35–3.75), belonging to richest households (AOR = 1.24, 95% CI: 1.05–1.45), being from central region (AOR = 1.65, 95% CI:1.43–1.89), southern region (AOR = 1.65, 95% CI: 1.43–1.90),listening to radio at least once a week (AOR = 1.27, 95% CI: 1.15–1.40) and ever tested for HIV (AOR = 1.88, 95% CI: 1.68–2.09) were significantly correlated with comprehensive HIV/AIDS knowledge.

Conclusions

The findings indicate that comprehensive HIV/AIDS knowledge among AGYW in Malawi is low. Various social-demographic characteristics were significantly correlated with comprehensive HIV/AIDS knowledge in this study. These findings suggest that public health programmes designed to improve comprehensive HIV/AIDS knowledge in Malawi should focus on uneducated young women, those residing in northern region and from poor households. There is also a need to target AGYW who have never tested for HIV with voluntary counselling and testing services. This measure might both improve their comprehensive HIV/AIDS knowledge and awareness of their health status.

What has comprehensive HIV/AIDS knowledge got to do with HIV testing among men in Kenya and Mozambique? Evidence from Demographic and Health Surveys

People living with undiagnosed HIV are big contributors to the transmission of the virus. Although measures have been made to scale up HIV prevention and voluntary counselling and testing in sub-Saharan Africa, testing coverage remains low in many sub-Saharan African countries, including Mozambique and Kenya, where most people live with HIV/AIDS. Studies have shown that, in most countries in sub-Saharan Africa, men are less likely to test for HIV compared with women. This study examined the relationship between comprehensive HIV/AIDS knowledge and HIV testing among men in Kenya and Mozambique. Data were from the men's re-code file of the Demographic and Health Surveys of Mozambique and Kenya. Binary logistic regression models were generated and the results presented as crude odds ratios (cOR) and adjusted odds ratios (aOR). The prevalences of HIV testing in Kenya and Mozambique were 80.1% and 46.7%, respectively. Men in Mozambique who had comprehensive HIV/AIDS knowledge (aOR=1.26, CI: 1.07-1.47) were more likely to test for HIV compared with their counterparts who had no comprehensive HIV/AIDS knowledge. In Kenya, men who had comprehensive HIV/AIDS knowledge (aOR=1.23, CI: 1.09-1.39) were more likely to test for HIV compared with their counterparts who had no comprehensive HIV/AIDS knowledge. This study found a statistically strong significant association between comprehensive HIV/AIDS knowledge and HIV testing among men in Kenya and Mozambique. To improve HIV testing rate among men, it is important that interventions are geared towards improving men's comprehensive HIV/AIDS knowledge, perhaps by expanding HIV/AIDS education programmes and campaigns. This could improve HIV testing rates and ensure the realization of the global HIV/AIDS target of 95-95-95 by the year 2030.

Clustering of HIV Patients in Ethiopia

BACKGROUND

Among the many worldwide health problems, HIV/AIDS has caused severe health problems in several countries. The problem is also widely seen in Ethiopia. The general objective of the study is to cluster HIV patients and to find out the factors that mostly affect the prevalence of HIV within a group (cluster) and between groups (clusters) of HIV patients.

METHODS

The study is made based on the 2016 Ethiopian Demographic Health Survey (EDHS) which was collected by the Central Statistical Agency (CSA) of Ethiopia, and the survey collected a total of 26,753 samples, of which 14,785 were women and 11,968 were men and the age group was between 15 and 49 years for both. Binary logistic regression, principal component analysis, cluster analysis, and ANOVA were applied to analyze the data.

RESULTS

The result from binary logistic regression reveals that 15 factors such as ever heard of AIDS, region, water not available for at least a day in the last 2 weeks, has a radio, family members wash their hands, location of the source of water, everything completed to water to make it harmless to drink, food cooked in the house/separate house/outside, has a mobile telephone, has a table, type of place of residence, highest education level attained, current marital status, sex of household members, and age of household members are all significant factors that affect HIV status.

CONCLUSION

Using these significant variables, 12 principal components are identified which describe 78% of the variation in the data. The result of HIV patients are clustered into 3 clusters and determine the status of HIV levels. Mainly, cluster 2 accounts for 50% of HIV patients whereas cluster 3 and 1 accounts for 40% and 10%, respectively.