Predictors of HIV/AIDS comprehensive knowledge and acceptance attitude towards people living with HIV/AIDS among unmarried young females in Uganda: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background Youth in general and young females, in particular, remain at the center of HIV/AIDS epidemic. To avoid and prevent HIV infection, comprehensive knowledge as well as correct understanding of transmission and prevention strategies are crucial. Thus, the aim of this study is to explore the predictors of comprehensive knowledge on HIV/AIDS and accepting attitude towards PLWHIV. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted using data from the 2016 Uganda Demographic Health Survey. A two-stage probability sampling method was applied and data were collected using a standard questionnaire. Of the total 8674 women aged 15–49 years, 1971 eligible women aged 15–24 years were included in this analysis. Data analysis was done using SPSS version 23. A Chi-square test followed by logistic regression analysis was used to explore the relationship between specific explanatory variables and outcome variables. The results were reported using odds ratios with 95% confidence interval. P value less than 0.05 was considered as statistically significant. Results Overall, 99.3% of the unmarried women aged 15–24 years were aware of HIV/AIDS, but only 51.9% had comprehensive knowledge on HIV/AIDS. Around 70% of the respondents were aware that "using condoms every time when having sex" and "having only one faithful uninfected partner" can prevent HIV transmission. About 68% of the unmarried women rejected at least two common local misconceptions about HIV/AIDS. An alarmingly small (20.6%) proportion of the respondents had a positive acceptance attitude towards PLWHIV. All variables were significantly associated with having comprehensive knowledge on HIV/AIDS in the unadjusted logistic regression analysis. After adjustment, older age (20–24 years), being educated, wealthier, and ever been tested for HIV/AIDS became predictors of adequate comprehensive HIV/AIDS knowledge. Moreover, respondents with adequate comprehensive knowledge of HIV/AIDS were more likely (OR 1.64, 95% CI 1.30–2.08) to have a positive acceptance attitude towards PLWHIV than their counterparts. Conclusion Our study demonstrated a remarkably high level of awareness about HIV/AIDS among study participants, but the knowledge and positive acceptance attitude towards PLWHIV were not encouraging. Thus, endeavors to expand and strengthen educational campaigns on HIV/AIDS in communities, health facilities, and schools are highly recommended. Attention should particularly focus on young-aged and disadvantaged women with low educational level, poor socioeconomic status and those who have never been tested for HIV/AIDS.

effect of HIV/AIDS education prevention using web-based she smart on knowledge, attitudes, and practice in adolescent girls

“…Adolescent girls in Uganda showed almost all (99.3%) said they had heard of HIV/AIDS, but only (48.1%) had comprehensive knowledge (Estifanos et al, 2021). This is in line with Dzah et al (2019), research, which says that adolescents in Ghana generally have less knowledge related to HIV/AIDS, show negative attitudes towards HIV, and also engage in risky practices (Tarkang et al, 2019).…”

Determinants of Discriminatory Attitudes Towards People Living with HIV Among Women of Reproductive Age in Nepal: A Trend Analysis From National Surveys

“…Iqbal et al (2019) noticed overall positive attitudes towards PLHIV with women exposed to mass media. In the same way, women with higher exposure to mass media appeared to have more accepting attitudes towards PLHIV (Estifanos et al, 2021). Exposure to mass media indicates exposure to HIV/AIDS-related information, leading to a lower discriminatory attitude towards HIV/AIDS.…”

“…In Pakistan, negative attitudes were noticed more in older women (age more than 37 years) compared to younger (less than 37 years) (Iqbal et al, 2019). Another study showed that accepting attitudes were higher in the women 20-24 years of age than younger (15-19 years) in Uganda (Estifanos et al, 2021). Young people might have more chances to participate in the HIV/AIDS-related awareness programs than seniors; younger people may have a low-level discriminatory attitude towards HIV/AIDS.…”

“…The test and treat strategy has been implemented since February 2017 (Department of Health Services, 2019). The Government of Nepal has also committed to ensuring 'ending the AIDS epidemic as a public health threat in Nepal by 2030', according to National HIV Strategic Plan 2016-2021(National Centre for AIDS and STD Control, 2016.…”

The Kasaba Quartet: The Impact of Card Games on Knowledge and Self-Efficacy HIV/AIDS Prevention

“…Increasing age impacts the development of a perspective and performance of a problem [38]. As in his research, Estifanos et al [39] found that women aged 20-24 years have a better comprehensive knowledge of HIV than those under 19 years because the level of understanding of the information obtained can be appropriately processed individuals who have grown up. However, planting information is a significant factor in understanding information.…”