Determinants of HIV awareness among pregnant women in Uganda

Abstract

Background: HIV/AIDS has emerged as a serious public health issue across the globe, and particularly in developing countries. Although the prevalence of HIV in Uganda has reduced, pregnant women still have been identified as more vulnerable group. The objective of the study was to assess determinants of HIV awareness among pregnant women in Uganda. Methods: The study, based on data from the 2016 Uganda Demographic and Health Survey (UDHS), analyzed 1,843 weighted cases of pregnant women aged 15–49. Both Chi-squared tests and binary logistic regressions were used to examine the determinants of HIV awareness among pregnant women in Uganda. The main explanatory variables included age, marital status, religion, region, residence, education, occupation, wealth and media exposure. Results: The overall prevalence of HIV awareness among pregnant women in Uganda was 56%. Women’s age, and region were found to be the predictors of HIV awareness among pregnant women. Women aged 35 and above [OR=1.442; CI: 1.008-2.065; P=0.045] were more likely to aware of HIV compared to pregnant women aged 24 or less. The odds of HIV awareness were lower among pregnant women from Northern region compared to those from Central region [OR=0.417; CI: 0.281-0.617; P=0.00] Conclusion: This study recommends to emphasis more on women’s education, media exposure, and family planning knowledge in strengthening women’s knowledge about HIV/AIDS. In addition, region specific programs regarding HIV/AIDS awareness also need to be prioritized. To hasten the fight against new infections of HIV, preventative strategies should focus on increasing comprehensive HIV awareness in all age groups but specific to adolescent women (15–19 years) and should consider disproportionate of knowledge among regions.