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

J Health Psychol. 2023 Sep;28(11):1085-1098. doi: 10.1177/13591053221127531. Epub 2022 Oct 21.

Abstract

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.

Keywords: AIDS; HIV; health education; regression; women’s health.

MeSH terms

  • Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome* / prevention & control
  • Asia
  • Developing Countries
  • Female
  • HIV Infections* / prevention & control
  • Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice
  • Humans
  • Socioeconomic Factors