Persistent misconceptions about HIV transmission among males and females in Malawi

Type Journal Article - BMC International Health and Human Rights
Title Persistent misconceptions about HIV transmission among males and females in Malawi
Author(s)
Volume 16
Issue 1
Publication (Day/Month/Year) 2016
Page numbers 16
URL https://bmcinthealthhumrights.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12914-016-0089-8
Abstract
Background
The prevalence of HIV in Malawi is one of the highest in sub-Saharan Africa, and misconceptions about its mode of transmission are considered a major contributor to the continued spread of the virus.

Methods
Using the 2010 Malawi Demographic and Health Survey, the current study explored factors associated with misconceptions about HIV transmission among males and females.

Results
We found that higher levels of ABC prevention knowledge were associated with lower likelihood of endorsing misconceptions among females and males (OR = 0.85, p < 0.001; OR = 0.85, p < 0.001, respectively). Compared to those in the Northern region, both females and males in the Central (OR = 0.54, p < 0.001; OR = 0.53, p < 0.001, respectively) and Southern regions (OR = 0.49, p < 0.001; OR = 0.43, p < 0.001, respectively) were less likely to endorse misconceptions about HIV transmission. Moreover, marital status and ethnicity were significant predictors of HIV transmission misconceptions among females but not among males. Also, household wealth quintiles, education, religion, and urban–rural residence were significantly associated with endorsing misconceptions about HIV transmission.

Conclusion
Based on our findings, we recommend that education on HIV transmission in Malawi should integrate cultural and ethnic considerations of HIV/AIDS.

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