AEGiS-14IAC: Community stigma and HIV/AIDS: a study of knowledge, attitudes and practices among women aged 15-49 in Central Mozambique.

14th International AIDS Conference

Barcelona, Spain - July 7-12, 2002

Community stigma and HIV/AIDS: a study of knowledge, attitudes and practices among women aged 15-49 in Central Mozambique.

Int Conf AIDS 2002 Jul 7-12; 14:(abstract no. TuOrF1208)

Sherr KH, Jacqueta F, Gimbel-Sherr SO, Soares A, Gloyd S, Mercer MA
Health Alliance International, Chimoio, Mozambique

BACKGROUND: In Central Mozambique the HIV/AIDS epidemic has reached catastrophic proportions, with prevalence rates as high as 31% found during year 2000 sentinel surveillance. Interventions to date have focused on prevention via mass media and social marketing of condoms, resulting in high knowledge of HIV transmission and prevention. However, this knowledge has not reduced cultural stigma around the disease, which limits the effectiveness of HIV control interventions.

METHODS: 2681 women between the ages of 15-49 were surveyed in 4 districts of Manica province on HIV/AIDS knowledge, attitudes and practices. Specifically, the study analyzed stigma related to public discourse on HIV, and bias towards people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHAs). Descriptive statistics were generated using Epi Info 2000.

RESULTS: Though acceptance is high for discussing HIV on the radio (94%) and for caring for a family member with AIDS (85%), stigma around personal discussion of HIV endures. 57% of respondents felt that PLWHAs should not divulge their status, predominantly in areas with a longer history of the epidemic (OR=1.81, CI=1.49, 2.20). Just 49% felt that PLWHAs should continue working, and only 53% admitted knowing someone sick with or who had died from AIDS. 47% of respondents found teaching condom use to youth between 12-14 years acceptable, with higher acceptance in areas with a longer history of the epidemic (OR=2.42, CI=2.06, 2.85).

CONCLUSIONS: Results suggest that stigma remains high in Mozambique, diminishing HIV control efforts. Though mass communication is accepted, this study suggests that HIV/AIDS is not openly discussed between individuals, and especially worrisome is the resistance to discuss HIV/AIDS with youth. Current interventions (school anti-AIDS clubs, youth-friendly peer education programs, and community HIV/AIDS prevention and care plans) must move beyond mass education and focus on reducing stigma via interpersonal communication.

Keywords: AEGIS, Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome, HIV Infections, Knowledge, Attitude, HIV Seropositivity, Condoms, Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice, Disease Outbreaks, Prevalence, Counseling, Mozambique, Aged, Adult, Adolescent, Human, Female

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TuOrF1208