HIV Knowledge of Middle Eastern and North Africans 18-35 Residing in the U.S.: A Cross Sectional Study

ABSTRACT

The current body of literature on the HIV knowledge related to young adult Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) individuals residing in the United States is substantially underdeveloped. As the number of MENA individuals residing in the US continues to rise, there remains a need for research investigating the levels of general HIV knowledge for this unique group. An exploratory cross-sectional design was used for an anonymous online survey of MENA adults ages 18–35 (n = 198) residing in the United States concerning their levels of HIV knowledge. Results showed that less than fifty percent (46.40%) of the sample reported adequate knowledge of HIV transmission and prevention methods. Multiple regression analyses indicate that prior sexual health education, prior HIV testing, a four-year college degree and identification as a Muslim predicted higher HIV knowledge. These findings may assist with the development of MENA specific HIV prevention and education programs.

KEYWORDS:

• HIV knowledge
• minority health
• Middle Eastern
• North African
• risk behaviors

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.