Gender Differentials in Knowledge of HIV/AIDS and Attitudes Toward People Living with HIV/AIDS in Egypt Public
Kondos, Leeza Mary (2011)
Published
Abstract
Background: Recent literature suggests a concentrated
epidemic of HIV in Egypt, after decades of reported minimal
prevalence. Sociocultural norms and gender constructs create
differential access to information, education, and prevention of
HIV as well as potential gaps in attitudes toward people living
with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA). Gender gaps in knowledge reinforce
sociocognitive constructs of inequity and combined with current
high risk behaviours among most at risk populations (MARP)
compromise effective awareness, prevention and care seeking among
the general population.
Significance: Findings will be used to enhance current
HIV/AIDS awareness and education campaigns. Understanding
differential knowledge and attitudes is critical for effective
prevention public health campaigns.
Aims: The 2008 Egyptian Demographic Health Survey Data was
used in a secondary analysis to quantify relative contribution of
gender differences in knowledge of HIV transmission, AIDS
perceptions and attitudes toward PLWHA.
Methods: The stratified multi-stage cluster sample included
5,430 men and 6,578 women between ages of 15-59 who met inclusion
criteria in 2008. Response rates were high (98% women and 89% men)
and only individuals with complete sociodemographic information
were included in analysis (final sample: 4,649 men and 4,668
women). Fourteen questions were used to assess knowledge (n=10) and
tolerant attitudes (n=4), then analyzed separately, as two
summative scores and as dichotomized high versus low scores. Gender
gaps in knowledge, attitudes, and sociodemographic variables were
assessed. Unadjusted and adjusted gender gaps in extent of
knowledge and tolerant attitudes were assessed using linear and
logistic regression. Analyses were conducted in STATA®.
Results: Overall, men had significantly greater knowledge
about HIV transmission. Women had significantly higher levels of
tolerance and lower knowledge in all aspects of transmission with
the exception of mother to child transmission (delivery and
breastfeeding). Unadjusted and adjusted regressions demonstrate
robust gaps in knowledge, with women consistently having less
accurate knowledge.
Conclusion: There are significant gaps in knowledge in Egypt
that are partially explained by demographic characteristics, in
particular, by gender. In order to effectively address the HIV/AIDS
epidemic, gaps in knowledge by gender need to be understood and
appropriately addressed.
Table of Contents
CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION 1
Introductions and Rationale 1
Significance Statement 4
Definition of Terms 4
ETHICS IN RESEARCH 5
CHAPTER 2: COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW OF THE LITERATURE 5
SILENT EPIDEMIC 6
VULNERABLE GROUPS 7
STIGMA 11
GENDER DIFFERENTIAL 16
INADEQUATE KNOWLEDGE & MISCONCEPTIONS 17
SUMMARY& FUTURE IMPLICATIONS 19
CHAPTER 3: MANUSCRIPT 21
Student Contribution 21
Introduction 21
Methods 23
Research Design and Population 23
Instruments 25
Variables 26
Limitations 30
RESULTS 30
Characteristics of Sample Population 30
Gender Gaps in Knowledge about HIV/AIDS 31
Gender Gaps in Stigma Toward PLWHA 32
Multivariate Linear Regression of Covariates with Respect to Knowledge & Attitudes Toward PLWHA 39
DISCUSSION 40
PUBLIC HEALTH IMPLICATIONS 44
Acknowledgements 46
Appendices 48
Appendix A: EDHS Health Questionnaire 48
Appendix B: IRB Approval 72
About this Master's Thesis
| School | |
|---|---|
| Department | |
| Degree | |
| Submission | |
| Language |
|
| Research Field | |
| Mot-clé | |
| Committee Chair / Thesis Advisor | |
| Committee Members | |
| Partnering Agencies |
Primary PDF
| Thumbnail | Title | Date Uploaded | Actions |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Gender Differentials in Knowledge of HIV/AIDS and Attitudes Toward People Living with HIV/AIDS in Egypt () | 2018-08-28 11:57:06 -0400 |
|
Supplemental Files
| Thumbnail | Title | Date Uploaded | Actions |
|---|