Knowledge and discriminatory attitudes towards HIV/AIDS among the women of reproductive age group of Pakistan using the Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey(MICS)

Background Human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome(HIV/AIDS)has become a major worldwide public health issue,with a focus on developing nations.Despite having a very low HIV prevalence,South Asia faces serious issues with stigma and false information because of a lack of awareness.This stigma highlights significant gaps in popular awareness while also sustaining unfavorable attitudes towards those living with HIV/AIDS.Pakistan is ranked second in South Asia for the rapidly increasing AIDS epidemic.Thorough information and optimistic outlooks are essential for successful HIV/AIDS prevention,control,and treatment.But false beliefs about how HIV/AIDS spreads lead to negative perceptions,which highlights the need to look into how women’s knowledge and attitudes about HIV/AIDS in Pakistan are influenced by sociodemographic traits and autonomy.Methods The purpose of this study is to evaluate Pakistani women’s discriminatory attitudes and level of awareness on HIV/AIDS.This study used data(the women in reproductive age 15-49 years’dataset)from the Pakistan Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey to conduct an analytical cross-sectional analysis.To represent the respondents’attitudes and knowledge towards people living with HIV(PLHIV),two composite variables were developed and composite scored.Binary logistics regression was used to identify predictor variables and chi-square was used for bivariate analysis.Results The findings reveal that almost 90%of Pakistani women have poor knowledge and attitude with HIV/AIDS.In Punjab,72.8%of rural residents have low knowledge,whereas only 20.6%of young individuals(15-<25 years old)show the least amount of ignorance.Education is shown to be crucial,and“Higher”education is associated with superior knowledge.Urban dwellers in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa typically have more expertise.Knowledge of HIV is positively correlated with education;those with higher education levels know a lot more(odds ratio[OR]=5.419).Similarly,quintiles with greater incomes show a higher likelihood of knowing about HIV(OR=6.745).The study identifies age,wealth index,place of residence,educational attainment,and exposure to contemporary media as significant predictors influencing HIV knowledge and attitudes among women in these provinces.Conclusion The majority of respondents had negative opinions regarding the virus,and the majority of women in the study knew very little about HIV.Individuals who live in metropolitan areas,have higher incomes,are better educated,are exposed to contemporary media,and are generally more aware of HIV and have more positive attitudes towards HIV/AIDS,or PLHIV.The study found that,in comparison to those living in urban environments,those from rural areas with low socioeconomic level have a negative attitude and inadequate understanding.

Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices Relating to HIV among Motorbike Taxi Drivers in Parakou, Benin, in 2021

Background and Objective: HIV infection is a major global Public Health threat worldwide, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa of which Benin. The level of knowledge determines the attitudes and behaviors of the populations towards this infection. The study objective was to assess knowledge, attitudes and practices related to HIV infection among motorbike taxi drivers (MTD) in Parakou in 2021. Methods: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study targeting MTD in Parakou in 2021. Participants were selected by cluster sampling. Pretested Digitized questionnaire using KoboCollect@ applicationserved as a data collection tool. Knowledge, attitudes and practices variable were treated on a score scale. A knowledge score was considered to reflect a good knowledge of HIV if at least two-thirds of the knowledge statements had been correctly answered provided the subject recognized the sexual route as one of modes of HIV transmission, identified at least one preventive measure and meant the incurability of the disease. Quantitative and qualitative variables were appropriately described using the EPI Info 7.1.3.3 software. The participant was classified at positive attitude/practice for HIV prevention, when it has a score of at least 80% and suggests a good preventive measure face a risk of exposure to HIV. Results: A total of 374 subjects were recruited into the study. The mean age was 31.51 ± 7.76 years. Most participants (86.06%) had good knowledge of condom use as an HIV prevention method. The sources of information mentioned were mainly the media (77.07%), relatives or friends (63.38%), and field-workers from non-governmental organizations (37.26%). Routine HIV testing was 50.53%. Among participants, 76.10% reported at least two different sexual partners. Condom use was 59.18 % during the casual sexual intercourse. Within the client-provider relationship with female sex workers, 33.17% had had sexual intercourse with them. The sexual route was the most cited (92.99%), and 90.23% stated that HIV infection can be stabilized by medication in a health structure. Conclusion: The level of knowledge of motorbike taxi drivers in Parakou does not match their behavior with regard to HIV prevention. Appropriate strategies are needed to develop prevention skills in this population. To effectively comb at HIV, it will be necessary to strengthen the targeted HIV preventive interventions at key and bridge populations including motorbike taxi drivers in Benin.

Prevalence of Occupational Injury and Knowledge of Post-Exposure Prophylaxis Accessibility among Healthcare Workers in Mogadishu, Somalia

Introduction: Healthcare workers in Mogadishu, Somalia face significant occupational injury risks, particularly needle stick injuries, with 61.1% reporting incidents. This poses a serious threat to their health, leading to infections such as hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and HIV. Despite the high prevalence of injuries, awareness of Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) accessibility is relatively high, with 84.0% of respondents aware of it. However, there are gaps in knowledge and implementation, as evidenced by variations in availability of PEP. Improving workplace safety measures, providing comprehensive training on injury prevention and PEP protocols, and ensuring consistent availability of PEP in healthcare facilities are crucial steps to safeguard the well-being of healthcare workers in Mogadishu, Somalia. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among hospital workers in Mogadishu, Somalia, focusing on professionals from various healthcare facilities. The study targeted nurses, doctors, laboratory personnel, and pharmacists. Purposive sampling was employed, resulting in a sample size of 383 calculated using Fisher’s sample size formula. Data were collected using coded questionnaires entered into Microsoft Excel 2019 and analyzed with SPSS software to generate frequencies and proportions, presented through frequency tables and pie figures. Results: The study in Mogadishu, Somalia, examined the prevalence of occupational injuries and knowledge of Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) accessibility among healthcare workers. Findings indicate a high prevalence of injuries, with 61.1% reporting incidents, predominantly needle stick injuries (60.6%). Despite the majority seeking prompt medical attention (72.0%), work-related illnesses affected 53.2% of respondents, notably work-related stress (59.5%). While most received training on injury and illness prevention (68.9%), gaps exist in PEP awareness, with 16.0% unaware of it. Nonetheless, 84.0% were aware, predominantly through health facilities (52.0%). Availability of PEP was reported by 71.3% in healthcare facilities, with variations in shift availability. The majority reported guidelines for PEP use (55.7%). Efforts are needed to bolster PEP awareness and ensure consistent availability in healthcare facilities to safeguard worker health. Conclusion: High prevalence of occupational injuries among healthcare workers, with needle stick injuries being the most common (60.6%). Despite this, 84.0% of respondents were aware of Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP), primarily learning about it from health facilities (52.0%). While 71.3% reported the availability of PEP in their facility, 28.7% noted its unavailability. These results emphasize the need for improved education and accessibility of PEP to mitigate occupational injury risks.

Knowledge Regarding Human Immunodeficiency Virus and Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission of HIV among a Group of Adults in a Low Income Country

Introduction: Despite communication on Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), close to 5.9 million people didn’t know they were living with HIV. One of the modes of transmission of HIV is vertical transmission. It remains the principal way of transmission of HIV for children below 15 years, with over 90% of them being infected. In Cameroon, the mother and child transmission of HIV is still a problem with 5.5% of infection of exposed infant at the early infant diagnosis in 2019. Awareness on prevention of mother to child transmission (PMTCT) is an important component for the fight against HIV. We therefore aimed at gauging the level of knowledge of a group of adult clients on HIV and PMTCT. Methodology: We conducted a cross sectional and analytical study at the Yaoundé Gyneco-Obstetric and Pediatric hospital for a period of one month. Were included, adults who visited the hospital for a free screening campaign on HIV. Data were collected using a questionnaire on their characteristics and knowledge of HIV and PMTCT. Data were entered using CSPro and analysed using IBM SPSS. Results: There was a gap in knowledge on HIV, considering satisfactory knowledge from 25 points and above, it was noted that 34.6% of our respondents had a non-satisfactory knowledge. For PMTCT, knowledge was average with the majority scoring 10 points on 18. Considering satisfactory knowledge on PMTCT was from 10 and above, 35.9% of our respondents had a non-satisfactory knowledge. Female sex was associated with satisfactory knowledge for both HIV and PMTCT. Conclusion: Concerning PMTCT, the knowledge of the mode of transmission, Antiretroviral (ARV) drugs for prevention to the babies or feedings recommendations on exposed HIV infants were poor. There is a gap in favor of women regarding knowledge between HIV and PMTCT. Therefore, men are highly encouraged to take part to health promotion activities on HIV and PMTCT.

HIV and AIDS related knowledge, beliefs and attitudes among rural communities hard to reach in Sudan

Background and Objective: There is a rising concern about Human Immunodeficiency Virus/Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (HIV/AIDS) related knowledge in rural communities of Sudan. This study focuses on determining the extend of knowledge, beliefs, and attitudes about HIV/ AIDS among rural communities difficult to access in the six States of Sudan. Subjects and Methods: Six thousand and one hundred twenty five respondents were interviewed through the method of house-to-house visits. A structured questionnaire was administered by research assistants recruited from the Faculty of Medicine, Khartoum University during a rural residency campaign in six states of Central, Eastern and Northern Sudan during 2008/2009. Results: Of the total interviewees, 48% were aware of the HIV/AIDS risk;46% reported to have good health seeking behaviors for HIV/AIDS. 54.4% of women reported to have better knowledge about the disease than men (45.6%). 38% (2005) had not heard of safety use of condom whereas 16% (320) had used it. Logistic regression revealed that 5.3% of knowledge about the disease was explained by gender, education and religion adjusted over age of the respondents. Conclusions: Mass media were the most common source of information about the existent risk of HIV/AIDS in rural communities. These findings could assist Sudanese National Aids Programme (SNAP), healthcare providers and policymakers to develop informative materials and health education programs to educate rural community is about the risk of HIV/AIDS.

Knowledge, Attitudes and Perceptions of Secondary School Teenagers towards HIV Transmission and Prevention in Rural and Urban Areas of Central Uganda

HIV/AIDS has remained a challenge in Uganda among adolescent despite the ABC strategy used globally to prevent HIV infection. The study assessed the knowledge, attitudes and perceptions of secondary school teenagers towards HIV transmission and prevention in rural and urban schools of central Uganda. A cross sectional study using self-administered questionnaires and structured interviews was used to collect data from adolescents in secondary schools in Kampala and Buikwe districts. Eight schools were randomly selected with 4 schools in each district. A total of 245 students from schools were recruited in the study with 120 and 125 students from urban Kampala and rural Buikwe district schools respectively. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 11. The results were expressed as percentages in a 2 × 2 tables. The mean age of the participants was 15.9 ± 2.5 years. Results showed that 95.1% participants had knowledge on HIV/AIDS in both urban and rural schools and 27.4% knew all the modes of HIV transmission. About 83.7% knew the ABC strategy for HIV prevention and 37.6% would talk about HIV/AIDS mainly with friends. For HIV cure, 62.0% of study participants reported non-cure and 24.9% were not sure. The remaining 13.1% of the study participants in both urban and rural schools reported that HIV can be cured. And the modes of curing HIV that were mentioned by participants included spiritual healing, transmitting it to others through sexual intercourse and that antiretroviral (ARVs) drugs can cure it as well as that it can be cured abroad. About 65.7% of participants reported recognition of one with HIV/ AIDS and by having red lips, being sickly;weight loss, skin rash and being very rich were mentioned. About 39.2% of the study participants mentioned that they cannot get infected with HIV and can’t contract HIV at all and 18.4% believed that chances of getting HIV infection were high. On perception and attitude on condoms and their use, participants reported that it is a sign of mistrust, reduces sexual pleasures and they are embarrassing to buy. Majority of the participants in both urban and rural schools had some knowledge on HIV/AIDS and the ABC strategy for HIV prevention. However, there was a knowledge gap on the various modes of HIV transmission and prevention. There was misconception of the participants on HIV/AIDS cure, condom use and on the chances of contracting HIV. About the source of HIV/AIDS information, majority of the participants were getting information on HIV/AIDS from friends of which some information was misleading. This false information could be the reason for the increased HIV prevalence reported among the adolescents in the schools. Generally, participants had some knowledge on HIV/AIDS though they had knowledge gap on HIV transmission and prevention.

Pregnant women's knowledge of perinatal HIV infection in a resource limited setting

The purpose of the study was to assess pregnant women s knowledge of perinatal human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection.A descriptive study involving 100 consecutive and consenting patients at the antenatal clinic of Abia State University Teaching Hospital(ABSUTH),Aba,South Eastern Nigeria,over the period 1st November, 2007 to 15th January,2008 was done.Using a structured questionnaire,the respondents’sociodemographic data were recorded as well as their knowledge of perinatal HTV infection.Although 85%of the pregnant women were aware of perinatal HTV transmission,only 69%knew that if a baby tested positive to HIV at delivery,it meant that the mother is infected with HIV.Fifty one percent of the pregnant women wrongly thought that all babies bom to mothers with HIV also get infected whilst 83%knew that HTV can be transmitted through breast feeding.The pregnant women demonstrated an incomplete knowledge of perinatal HTV transmission. The findings of this study underscore the continued need for intensified health education about prevention of perinatal HTV infection in our community in order to reduce the impact of HIV,especially in

Knowledge Level about HIV/AIDS among Reproductive Men in Five Counties in China

To understand the HIV/IDS knowledge level and its influential factors among reproductive men in China so as to provide scientific evidence for preventive measures. Methods Cross-sectional survey, system random sample and constructed questionnaire were used in this study. There were 1 285 male subjects who had filled in anon）,mous questionnaires. Results There were significant differences on the HIV/IDS knowledge level in different counties and different demographic characteristic people. Major inJluential factors inchtded area, urban/rural, marriage, educational level, age, consultation about HIV/AIDS. Conclusion It is necessary to strengthen the training of HIV/AIDS knowledge among reproductive men.

Knowledge of HIV and Safety Sexual Practices among Adolescent Girls in Benin City, Nigeria

Adolescence is a time of emotional, physical and psychological development and contributes substantially to the well being of the individual in adulthood. Consequently, understanding their social and reproductive behaviour is of tremendous policy importance. This study was designed to investigate HIV knowledge and safety sexual practices among adolescent girls in Benin-city, Edo State, Nigeria. Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted among 100 randomly selected female students in SS1 and 2 from two secondary schools in Benin-city. A semi structured questionnaire was self administered to obtain information on respondents’ socio-demographic characteristics, knowledge of HIV and safety practices. A 10-point knowledge scale graded, <5 and ≥6 as poor and good knowledge respectively, was used to measure knowledge of HIV;while a 5-point practice scale graded <2 and ≥3 was used as unsatisfactory and satisfactory safety sexual practices on HIV prevention respectively. Descriptive statistics, chi-square test and logistic regression were used to analyse the data with level of significance set at 0.05. Results: The mean age of respondents was 12.70 ± 1.2 years, 50.0% were in SS2 and 65.0% had been in Benin-city from birth. The overall mean knowledge score of respondents was 14.70 ± 4.43 with 60.0%, 20.0%, 40.0% and 70.0% having good knowledge on perinatal/vertical transmission, sexual and parenteral transmission, epidemiological factors and preventive measures respectively. Misconceptions about HIV transmission include: HIV cannot be transmitted through oral sex, HIV can be transmitted by mosquitoes and naked eyes can detect who is infected. In addition, there was a significant difference between class of respondents and their general knowledge of HIV (P < 0.05). Respondents in SS2 were more likely to have good knowledge of HIV than their SS1 counterpart (OR = 3.43 95% CI = 1.461 - 8.057). Furthermore, respondents whose mothers attained at least secondary school are more likely to exhibit satisfactory safety sexual practices on HIV prevention than their counterpart whose mothers had no formal education (OR = 2.67 95% CI = 0.619 - 11.493). Conclusions: There were knowledge deficiencies in sexual and parenteral transmission, epidemiological factors of HIV as well as some misconceptions about the transmission of the HIV virus. Therefore, more awareness and health education interventions are needed at the post primary level to curb the spread of the virus.

Assessment of the Level of Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice with Regard to Care of People Living with HIV/AIDS among Nursing and Midwifery Students in Fako, Cameroon

Due to the chronic shortage of health personnel, nurses and midwives now play a fundamental role in the care and treatment of people living with HIV/ AIDS (PLHIV) in Cameroon. This study was therefore designed to assess the level of knowledge, attitude and practice with regard to care of PLHIV among nursing and midwifery students in Fako division of Cameroon. A survey was performed between May and July 2015, among 227 nursing and midwifery students (in their second to final year of study), selected from 8 government accredited training institutions in Fako division of Cameroon. An anonymous self-administered semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect data. The Pearson’s chi-square test, univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses adjusting for possible confounders were all performed as part of the statistical analyses. The cutoff of statistical significance was set at p ≤ 0.05. Nursing and midwifery students had a moderate level of HIV/AIDS knowledge (average score of 7.02 on a scale of 11). Attitude towards PLHIV was generally positive (68.7%) but there were some misconceptions and prejudice about PLHIV, with considerable stigmatization (31.3%), unwillingness to share a room with someone infected with HIV (27.7%), and unwillingness to work on PLHIV (23.8%). Good HIV/AIDS knowledge was observed to be the sole independent predictor (p = 0.004) of positive attitude towards PLHIV. Fur-thermore the confidence of the respondents regarding care of PLHIV was generally moderate. Our results suggest the need for the development of a more appropriate education program in nursing and midwifery institutions in Fako division to reduce the discrepancies between the general knowledge, attitude and practice regarding care of PLHIV.

An Assessment of Comprehensive Knowledge of HIV/AIDS among Slum and Non-Slum Populations in Delhi, India

In order to design appropriate HIV prevention programs, it is important to examine the perception and knowledge of HIV/AIDS and methods of preventive. This article explores comprehensive knowledge of HIV/AIDS prevention methods among women and men in slum and non-slum areas in the National Capital Territory of Delhi, India. Data were drawn from the National Family Health Survey, 2005-06 (NFHS-3). The sample included 3096 women aged 15 - 49 years and 1321 men aged 15 - 54 years. Pearson Chi-square test and logistic regression analyses were conducted to examine the association between the study variables and the background characteristics of the slum and non-slum populations. Comprehensive knowledge of HIV/AIDS prevention methods was significantly lower among women and men in slum areas as compared with non-slum areas. Compared to men, women had less comprehensive knowledge of HIV/AIDS prevention methods in slum and non-slum areas, even after controlling for various demographic and socio-economic and exposure variables. Findings indicate that comprehensive knowledge of HIV prevention methods is low among women in slum areas. Interventions are needed to build knowledge of HIV transmission and prevention methods in this vulnerable group. Strategies to build awareness of HIV/AIDS could include mass media campaigns HIV/AIDS, and information, education and communication programs (IEC) on HIV/AIDS in slum areas.

Knowledge about HIV and AIDS among Young Women

HIV and AIDS are a major health concern among women worldwide. It is important that women especially youths are educated about HIV and AIDS because they represent a window of opportunity for reversing HIV rates if effective prevention programs can reach them before they engage in risky sexual behaviour. Women are more vulnerable to HIV infection than men and play a central role in the concept of the family, in nurturing, protecting, and caring for the family. The aim of the study was to explore HIV and AIDS knowledge among young women. A qualitative exploratory approach using focus group discussions was used and content analysis was used to interpret the data. A total of 8 focus group discussions were conducted two study sites intervention and control site. The analysis revealed 6 themes namely definition of HIV and AIDS, seriousness of HIV and AIDS in the community, signs and symptoms, transmission of HIV, cure for HIV and AIDS and prevention. The findings showed that some participants had knowledge deficit on HIV and AIDS, therefore continued community sensitisation is essential.

A survey of awareness and knowledge of mother-to-child transmission of HIV in pregnant women attending Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital, Sagamu, Nigeria

Objective: To determine the knowledge and awareness of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)/Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) and mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) among women attending the antenatal clinic. Methods and Subjects: This was primarily a descriptive cross-sectional study carried out at the antenatal clinic of Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital (OOUTH), Sagamu, Nigeria from July 1st, 2010 to October 31st, 2010. Results: The age range of the respondents was 18 - 41 years, (mean 29 ± 5 years). One hundred and forty-nine (92.5%) were married. All the respondents interviewed were aware of HIV/AIDS and 93 (57.8%) had been aware of the disease for ≥5 years. The main sources of information were television 93 (57.8%), radio 77 (47.8%), health workers 53 (32.9%), friends, relatives and neighbors 41 (25.5%) and posters 34 (21.1%). Majority of the respondents identified sexual intercourse as a route of transmission of HIV. Sharing of sharp objects and blood transfusion were identified as routes of transmission by 99 (61.5%) and 82 (50.9%) respectively. One hundred and sixteen (72%) of the respondents knew an apparently healthy person could be living with HIV. Majority of the respondents 125 (77.6%) were aware that HIV can coexist with pregnancy and 120 (74.5%) were aware of MTCT of HIV. Vaginal delivery and breastfeeding were identified as routes of HIV transmission by 44 (27.3%) and 53 (32.9%) of respondents respectively. Delivery by caesarean section was identified as a method of prevention of MTCT by 25 (15.5%) respondents while as many as 48 (29.8%) respondents did not know any method of prevention of MTCT of HIV. Conclusion: This study demonstrates a low level of awareness of methods of prevention of MTCT of HIV among pregnant women booking for antenatal care in our center. Thus, there is the need for adequate counseling about HIV/AIDS and specific aspects of prevention of mother-to-child transmission in our antenatal clinics.

Knowledge, Attitude and Practice Regarding HIV/AIDS among Students in China

HIV/AIDS remains one of the world’s most significant public health challenges, particularly in low and middle-income region. China has witnessed a moderate effect of global HIV/AIDS endemic for which HIV/AIDS awareness and prevention program have been developed and conducted. In China the university students are among the affected target population because of the recent development of casual attitude towards sex, the rapid economic revolution and degradation of traditional value. The purpose of this paper is to describe HIV/AIDS knowledge, attitudes, and practice and identify personal risk behaviors among students in China. Selection of the articles suitable for the review was done from 2007 to 2016 on the basis of their study regarding HIV/AIDS in accordance with different students of schools, undergraduate and postgraduate study. Knowledge of the students is accordance with their education level while attitude have no relation with the knowledge and still there is unsafe sexual practice present among students. Although students have good knowledge regarding HIV/AIDS, they have still negative attitude towards HIV/AIDS patients. There are still misconceptions especially concerning mosquitos and kissing as routes of transmission of HIV. There is difficulty in separating HIV from AIDS by many students. Due to insufficient knowledge regarding HIV/AIDS among school students many of them believe that there is a medicine that can cure HIV/AIDS. Comparatively Students are more focused on knowledge regarding HIV/AIDS rather than developing and maintaining safe sexual behavior among the students. We believe that the review will help to focus further into the more effective attitude based implementation of knowledge and practice among Chinese students.

HIV/AIDS-Related Knowledge among Secondary School Students in Bangladesh: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background and Aim of the Study: HIV/AIDS is best viewed as a major epidemic which poses serious challenges to mankind on a global scale. The aim of this study was to assess the HIV/AIDS-related knowledge among secondary school students in Bangladesh and investigate the association between secondary school students’ socio-demographic characteristics and their level of knowledge about HIV/AIDS. Methods: Following multistage random sampling technique, a total of 384 students aged 11-17 years were sampled from eight secondary schools and interviewed through a predesigned semi-structured questionnaire. Data analysis was done at three stages including descriptive statistics, bivariate analyses, and multivariate logistic regression. Results: The findings of the study revealed that more than half (55.26%) of the students were above 14 years of age and their ages ranged from 11 to 17 years. This study also found that around three-fourths of the students (75.78%) watched television. With regard to knowledge, this study demonstrated that around two-fifths of the students (36.98%) had very good knowledge about HIV/AIDS and their main sources of HIV/AIDS information were television, newspaper, radio, textbooks, and teachers. The bivariate results of the study indicated that students’ age, gender, type of school, household income, fathers’ and mothers’ literacy, and watching television were significantly associated with level of knowledge about HIV/AIDS. In addition, students’ age, mothers’ literacy, and watching television were found as the significant predictors of knowledge about HIV/AIDS. Watching television was documented as the best single predictor. Conclusion: The results of the study strengthen the assumption that there is an influence of students’ socio-demographic characteristics upon their knowledge about HIV/ AIDS. Moreover, this study suggests that more information on HIV/AIDS should be included in the textbooks of secondary school students in Bangladesh to enhance their knowledge about the taboo subject.

Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission of HIV/AIDS: Acceptability, Knowledge, Attitude and Implementation at Ratoma CMC-Conakry-Guinea

The objectives of the study were to determine the level of knowledge, acceptability and implementation of Prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) of HIV HIV/AIDS at Ratoma communal medical center (CMC). Patients and Method: It was a descriptive cross-sectional study with prospective data collection from November 1, 2019 to April 30, 2020 at the maternal and child health department of Ratoma communal medical center. Results: The acceptance rate was 85.45%. The average age of our patients was 27 with extremes of 15 and 39. Women doing a liberal activity were the most affected (70.36%), followed by housewives (20%), secondary school (5%) and university students (4.64%). The Caesarean section was cited as a means of PMTCT in 20.84% of cases, taking antiretroviral drugs at the end of pregnancy in 9.94%. Most of our patients accepted the HIV screening, i.e. a participation rate of 85.45%. The average age of our patients was 27 with extremes of 15 and 39. Women doing a liberal activity were the most affected (70.36%), followed by housewives, secondary school and university students. The Caesarean section was cited as a means of PMTCT in 20.84% of cases. On the whole, pregnant women had a favorable attitude towards the screening result in 96.5% of cases. Most of the women (73.51%) did not agree to share the serological result with their partner, 16.55% agreed to share the result with their spouse. Sexual transmission was identified by women as the mode of HIV transmission in 61.9% of cases and Mother to Child transmission in 0.68%. Breastfeeding was exclusive in 93.5% of cases due to lack of financial means. Conclusion: Acceptability, a high level of knowledge and a favorable attitude towards HIV screening are conditions that favor adherence to the various PMTCT programs.

Perceptions and Knowledge about Cervical Cancer among Women Living with HIV in Parakou in 2017

Background: Cervical cancer (CC) is the fourth most common cancer in women and those living with HIV have a six times higher risk of cervical cancer compared to those without. The objective of this study was to assess knowledge and perceptions about cervical cancer in women living with HIV/AIDS (WLWHIV) in the municipality of Parakou in Benin. Methods: This was an analytical cross-sectional study conducted among WLWHIV monitored on antiretrovira (ARV) therapy (ART) centers in Parakou. Study participants were selected by systematic random sampling technique. Data collection took place from September 5, 2017 to November 6, 2017. Log-binomial regression was used to identify associated factors. Results: A total of 167 women were recruited into the study. The median age was 35 years [Interquartile range: 41.50 - 30.00]. More than half of the women had no perception of the cause of CC. Only 12.6% of women believed in the preventive capacity of early screening of CC. Among women, 15.6% knew that it can be prevented, but only 9.6% had heard of HPV and 4.8% knew that HPV vaccination is an effective means of preventing CC. The factors associated with the low level of knowledge were the age at first sexual intercourse (≤24 years), the ART follow-up site (private health structure) and the fact of not having visited a maternity hospital in the last 12 months preceding the survey. Conclusion: The perceptions and knowledge about cervical cancer in the population of women living with HIV and monitored on ART in Parakou were inadequate and disproportionate to their vulnerability to this cancer. In order to avoid a double burden on these women, their ART centers must integrate cervical cancer prevention interventions into ART initiation services.

Basic Knowledge and Attitudes to Promote Safe Behaviours to Grade 8 Learners Concerning Burden of Diseases Including HIV/AIDS

This paper focuses on knowledge and attitudes of Grade 8 pupils about HIV/AIDS and opportunistic diseases. In particular, people need to know what it is, how it is transmitted, how to protect themselves from it, and how to relate to people with the disease. According to the National policy for HIV/AIDS, schools are key settings for educating children about HIV/AIDS and for halting further spread of the infection. It has been noticeable that Grade 8 pupils in the rural areas around Mthatha district are particularly at risk of getting HIV. The focus is often more on Grade 11 and 12 pupils, so female Grade 10 pupils look for boys for attention. This resulted for the female pupils to fall pregnant. The fact that some of them are falling pregnant means they are also more vulnerable to contracting HIV. This shows that little information is available for them and this paper is contributing to that body of knowledge. Prevention therefore is the most effective strategy to combat pregnancy and against the spread of HIV/AIDS in schools. Measures should be taken to remove the social, cultural and political barriers that might block access to HIV/AIDS services and programmes. The results showed that while some Grade 8 pupils are aware of HIV/AIDS, there are others who said it does not exist. It has also been highlighted that the phenomenon of pupils having unprotected sex with older men for money, as well as pupils saying they did not have time to use condoms. It is therefore recommended that pupils need to have role models, people they can look up to. In the absence of parents, it should be teachers＇ responsibility to advise the pupils and inform them about Sexually Transmitted Infections （STIs） and HIV/AIDS in schools.

Knowledge of Cervical Cancer and Prevalence of the Screening Services among HIV-Infected Women in Blantyre, Malawi

HIV-infected women are at high risk of developing cervical cancer and are encouraged to undergo cervical cancer screening regularly. However, very little has been documented about the knowledge of cervical cancer and the utilization of the screening services by these women. This study aimed to investigate the knowledge of cervical cancer, prevalence of cervical cancer screening uptake and predictive factors that affect utilization of cervical cancer screening services among HIV-infected women. The study employed quantitative methods for data collection and analysis. It was conducted at Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital (QECH) from December 2017 to February 2018 where HIV-positive patients accessing QECH Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) clinic were recruited. Systematic random sampling was employed to select HIV-positive women for the survey. Data were collected using semi-structured questionnaires. STATA version 12 was used to analyze the data. Out of the 196 recruited women, the majority (98%;n = 192) indicated having heard of cervical cancer and of the 192 women, only 57% (n = 109) were able to know at least a single sign/symptom of cervical cancer, furthermore, only 47% (n = 91) indicated ever been screened, finally, getting information from health facilities and knowing at least a single sign/symptom of cervical cancer influenced HIV-infected women to go for cervical cancer screening services. The study revealed that knowledge of cervical cancer and the utilization of its screening services among HIV-infected women is low. Therefore, there is need to increase knowledge and strengthen cervical cancer screening services among HIV-infected women in the country.

Knowledge and Skills for Management of Sexually Transmitted Infections by Rural Medical Practitioners in Bangladesh

Sexually transmitted infection (STI) management is considered rudimentary among rural medical practitioners (RMPs) in Bangladesh. We sought to understand the level of knowledge and skills in STI management and to assess the impact of a two-day training orientation among RMPs in Tangail district. Data were collected through a baseline survey of 225 practicing RMPs in the study area and a three-month follow-up survey of 99 RMPs who participated in a two-day STI/HIV orientation training. The level of formal training among RMPs ranged from none (22.7%), to paramedical training (14.7%) and local medical assistant training (62.6%). The baseline survey revealed a low level of STI/HIV knowledge and misconceptions about the transmission of STI/HIV among RMPs. RMPs mostly prescribed first line antibiotics for treatment of common reproductive tract infections (RTIs) including STIs, but they rarely prescribed the correct dosages according to the national RTI/STI management guidelines. Only 3% of RMPs were able to correctly answer all four HIV transmission (unprotected sexual intercourse, blood transfusion, needle sharing and mother to child transmission) questions at baseline, while 94.9% of RMPs answered all four correctly at three months following the training (p = 0.001). Only 10% of RMPs reported suggesting the recommended drug (azithromycin) and only 2% mentioned about the recommended dosage (2 gm single dose) for the treatment of urethritis/cervicitis;compared to 49.5% suggested azithromycin at follow-up with 39.4% mentioned the recommended 2 gm single dose (p = 0.001). Our study found low level of knowledge and poor practices related RTI/STI management among RMPs. Short orientation training and education intervention shown promise to increase knowledge and management skills for RTIs/STIs.