SOCIO-DEMOGRAPHIC FACTORS AND KNOWLEDGE OF HIV/AIDS AMONG WOMEN IN REPRODUCTIVE AGE OF SINDH-PAKISTAN

Abstract

Background: HIV/AIDS pandemic continues its deadly assault with more than 20 million deaths all around world since first identified case of aids in United States. The main purpose of present study is to determine the prevalence of HIV/AIDS knowledge as well as its association with socio demographic factors among women in reproductive age from Sindh, Pakistan.
Methods: Multiple indicator cluster survey (MICS-5) data were obtained from UNICEF. Total 7,863 women (who heard about HIV/AIDS) were included in study. Women with at least 70% correct answers were considered as adequate knowledge. Statistical analysis was done by using SPSS version 21.Bivariate analysis was done by Pearson's chi square test while univariate and multivariate analysis was done by using binary logistic regression.
Results: We found significant association of HIV.AIDS knowledge with age, marital status, education, area and wealth quintile index. Women with age 15-25 and 26-35 years are less likely to have HIV/AIDS knowledge in comparison of women with age>35 years. Currently married women had 1.71 times more likely to have knowledge as compared to women who never married. Formerly married women were 1.162 times more likely to have HIV/AIDS knowledge. Women from urban areas are more likely to have HIV.AIDS knowledge as compared to females from rural areas. Prevalence of HIV/AIDS knowledge was found 44.5% among women in reproductive age from sindh.
Conclusion: Women from urban areas were found with more adequate and comprehensive knowledge. Educated women were also found with good comprehensive knowledge.