Correlates of HIV Knowledge and Testing

Abstract

This research explored the correlates of HIV knowledge and testing. The study predicted that there would be significant relationships between knowledge of HIV transmission, and testing for HIV, educational level, and gender. Testing behavior was also predicted to be associated with gender and knowing someone who has HIV/AIDS or someone who has died of the disease. A convenience sample of 429 respondents in the Republic of South Africa participated in the study. Volunteers completed the Carey and Schroder Brief HIV Knowledge Questionnaire and other items pertaining to the study variables. Results from the ANOVA showed that as education level increased, so did knowledge of HIV. Females had more knowledge of HIV than males. An independent samples t test showed that those who had been tested for HIV had more knowledge than those who had not. Chi-Square analyses indicated that as education level increased, so did the frequency of testing; and that knowing someone who has HIV/AIDS or someone who has died of the disease tends to increase testing behavior.

What are the factors associated with human immunodeficiency virus/sexually transmitted infection screening behaviour among heterosexual men patronising entertainment establishments who engaged in casual or paid sex? – Results from a cross-sectional survey in an Asian urban setting

“…The observed association between HIV/STI testing and HIV knowledge score in our study was consistent with two other cross-sectional studies, namely Scott-Sheldon LA et al, [18] and Haile BJ et al, 2007 [19]. The cross-sectional study design prevents strong inferences regarding the directionality of this association.…”

“…The available literature provides little data to allow understanding of how sexually active heterosexual men behave in relation to HIV/STI testing [14]. Third, the few studies on sexually active heterosexual men are often from the West [15, 16] and Africa [17–19] where their sexual behaviour and HIV/STI transmission knowledge are likely to be different from that of Asia men [20]. Fourth, to the best of our knowledge, there is no published study that evaluates the factors associated with HIV/STI testing behaviour of heterosexual men patronising entertainment establishments (EEs) who engage in casual or paid sex.…”

Examining Behavioral and Psychosocial Predictors of Antibody Testing among College Youth: Implications for HIV Prevention Education and Testing

“…Similarly, Norman, Devieux, Rosenberg, and Malow (2011) found that those with a history of alcohol, marijuana, and other illicit drug use were more likely to report a history of testing. The finding that females who sought testing opportunities had more knowledge about viral transmission than those who did not seek testing (p = .011) suggests the possibility that, similar to prior research, women who engaged in riskier behaviors may be aware of potential risks, and thus made an effort to determine their status (Haile, Chambers, & Garrison, 2007).…”

Factors Contributing to the Risk of HIV Infection in Rural School-Going Adolescents

“…Similarly, the evidence regarding the association between HIV knowledge and risky sexual behavior is also mixed. Some studies found a positive relationship between high HIV knowledge, HIV testing and consistent condom use in adolescents [15,16] In contrast, some studies found no associations between HIV knowledge and sexual behaviors [17,18]. …”