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

Abstract

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. Secondary education (AOR = 1.40, 95% CI: 1.13–3.20), having health insurance (AOR = 1.39, 95% CI: 1.12–1.73), owning 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 history of an HIV test (AOR = 1.26, 95% CI: 1.07–1.49) had a positive association with comprehensive HIV knowledge. However, residing in Kigali (AOR = 0.65, 95% CI: 0.49–0.87) and Northern (AOR = 0.75, 95% CI: 0.59–0.95) region, and Anglican religion (AOR = 0.82, 95% CI: 0.68–0.99) had a negative association. Conclusions To increase 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.

Prevalence of risk factors for human immunodeficiency virus among sexually active women in Rwanda: a nationwide survey

“…It was observed that sexually active women belonging to Protestant and "Other" religions (Moslem, Jehovah's witness) had higher odds of indulging in risk factors for HIV infection compared to the Catholics. The ndings are consistent with a study in Rwanda [37] which reported that Catholic respondents were less likely to participate in sexual risk behaviour because they had more comprehensive HIV knowledge due to HIV awareness messages and HIV testing encouraged compared to their protestant counterparts. The nding may be attributed to the different beliefs, values and norms associated with various religions [38,39].…”

Assessment of the Effect of Neem Plant Products on House Mosquito Repellency: A Case Study of Burera and Gicumbi Districts

“…The different studies indicated that the mosquito net methods are more frequently used by the most of population of both rural and urban communities in Rwanda because they are available, affordable, and easy to be used effectively. One of the studies conducted in Southern Rwanda showed that although coverage of mosquito bed nets was high (84.1%), their utilization among pregnant women was lower (81.7%) than the national target of 85% (Joseph Kawuki et al, 2023) [9]. Insect repellents are applied on the skin and give short term against mosquito bites.…”

Knowledge , Attitude and Practices Towards Hiv Prevention Among Adolescents Attending Wakiso Health Centre Iv, Wakiso District. A Cross-Sectional Study.

“…Globally, Human Immunodeficiency Virus and Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (HIV/AIDS) remains a public health concern and Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) has the greatest burden (Organisation, 2022). Over 38 million people are infected with HIV worldwide, with women making up more than half (19.2 million) of the infected (Kawuki, J et al.2023). Sub-Saharan African women account for 15.9 million of the 19.2 million total (UNAIDS., 2020).…”