Determinants of comprehensive knowledge of HIV/AIDS among women of the reproductive age (15-49) in Uganda

Abstract

The study explored factors influencing comprehensive knowledge of HIV/AIDS among women of the reproductive age in Uganda and it specifically sought to find out whether demographic, socio-economic and behavioral characteristics were associated with having comprehensive knowledge of HIV among women of the reproductive age.

The study was based on the data collected during the Uganda Demographic Health Survey of 2011. A sample of 8405 women aged 15-49 years were studied. Chi square test at bivariate level and binary logistic regression model at multivariate level were run to test the relationship between demographic, socio-economic, behavioral characteristics and comprehensive knowledge of HIV.

Results revealed that only 23.1% of the respondents had comprehensive knowledge of HIV. Significantly higher odds of having comprehensive knowledge of HIV were associated with; women in the western region (OR=1.26), with at least primary and secondary level of education (OR=1.30, OR=2.27 respectively), women from the richest wealth quintile (OR=1.48), ever tested HIV (OR=1.23) and those with radio exposure (OR=1.17). Significantly lower odds of having comprehensive knowledge were associated with women in the age group of 40-44 (OR=0.70) and those from the Eastern region (OR=0.66).

Basing on the findings, sensitization programs should be organized and women from the Eastern part of Uganda should be given the first priority. Promotions on radios where the best listeners to HIV sensitization programs are given prizes should be carried out.