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BMC International Health and Human Rights
Published in: BMC International Health and Human Rights 1/2016

Open Access 01-12-2016 | Research article

Persistent misconceptions about HIV transmission among males and females in Malawi

Authors: Yujiro Sano, Roger Antabe, Kilian Nasung Atuoye, Lucia Kafui Hussey, Jason Bayne, Sylvester Zackaria Galaa, Paul Mkandawire, Isaac Luginaah

Published in: BMC International Health and Human Rights | Issue 1/2016

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Abstract

Background

The prevalence of HIV in Malawi is one of the highest in sub-Saharan Africa, and misconceptions about its mode of transmission are considered a major contributor to the continued spread of the virus.

Methods

Using the 2010 Malawi Demographic and Health Survey, the current study explored factors associated with misconceptions about HIV transmission among males and females.

Results

We found that higher levels of ABC prevention knowledge were associated with lower likelihood of endorsing misconceptions among females and males (OR = 0.85, p < 0.001; OR = 0.85, p < 0.001, respectively). Compared to those in the Northern region, both females and males in the Central (OR = 0.54, p < 0.001; OR = 0.53, p < 0.001, respectively) and Southern regions (OR = 0.49, p < 0.001; OR = 0.43, p < 0.001, respectively) were less likely to endorse misconceptions about HIV transmission. Moreover, marital status and ethnicity were significant predictors of HIV transmission misconceptions among females but not among males. Also, household wealth quintiles, education, religion, and urban–rural residence were significantly associated with endorsing misconceptions about HIV transmission.

Conclusion

Based on our findings, we recommend that education on HIV transmission in Malawi should integrate cultural and ethnic considerations of HIV/AIDS.
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Metadata
Title
Persistent misconceptions about HIV transmission among males and females in Malawi
Authors
Yujiro Sano
Roger Antabe
Kilian Nasung Atuoye
Lucia Kafui Hussey
Jason Bayne
Sylvester Zackaria Galaa
Paul Mkandawire
Isaac Luginaah
Publication date
01-12-2016
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
BMC International Health and Human Rights / Issue 1/2016
Electronic ISSN: 1472-698X
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12914-016-0089-8

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