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Abstract
Aim
This study assesses how the combined effects of knowledge of the HIV/AIDS prevention methods (ie, abstinence (A), being faithful (B), condom use (C), and diagnosis or testing (D)) influence behavioral change in terms of condom use.
Methods
The study employed a cross-sectional design. Data were collected using a household survey conducted in 2017 in the Tanga and Njombe Regions of Tanzania through a structured questionnaire. The dependent variable was condom use during the last sexual intercourse. The main independent variable was knowledge of HIV prevention methods, referred to in this study as “knowledge of ABCD of HIV/AIDS prevention”. A respondent with knowledge of three or more of the ABCD was classified as having good knowledge of HIV prevention. Those with knowledge of two, one, or none of the ABCD were classified as having average, fair, and poor knowledge of HIV prevention methods, respectively. Data analysis included univariate analysis, bivariate analysis, and multivariate logistic regression analysis. The study included 660 respondents aged 15–64 years.
Results
The study indicates that the majority (52.2%) of the respondents had average knowledge of the HIV prevention methods. That is, they were knowledgeable of any two of the A, B, C, and D of HIV prevention methods. Condom use during the last sexual intercourse was reported by 46.5% of respondents. Multivariate analysis showed that condom use was 1.48-times more likely among respondents with good knowledge of ABCD of HIV/AIDS prevention than those with poor knowledge.
Conclusion
The predictive effect of knowledge of the HIV prevention methods on condom use was more visible when assessed in combination than when treated at A, B, C, and D in isolation. This suggests that successful behavioral change towards HIV/AIDS aversion requires dedicated efforts that promote comprehensive knowledge of all the methods through which the epidemic can be transmitted.
Acknowledgments
We sincerely express our heartfelt thanks to the participants involved in this study; the data collectors, regional commissioners of Tanga and Njombe, District Council administrations, and ward executive officers for their support during data collection exercise. We also extend our gratitude to the management of Mkwawa University College of Education for funding this study. An earlier draft of this paper was first presented as a poster at the 5th Tanzania Health Summit held in Dar es salaam, Tanzania from November 13–14, 2018. Inputs received from the members of the summit were incorporated for improvements. We also extend our sincere appreciation to Amon Exavery, the Research and Learning Coordinator of People Acting in Community Together in Tanzania (PACT) for proofreading an earlier draft of this paper.
Disclosure
The authors of this paper declare that they have no competing interests in this work.