HIV Attitudes and Beliefs in Kisumu, Kenya
Author Information
Author(s): Cohen Craig R., Montandon Michele, Carrico Adam W., Shiboski Stephen, Bostrom Alan, Obure Alfredo, Kwena Zachary, Bailey Robert C., Nguti Rosemary, Bukusi Elizabeth A.
Primary Institution: University of California San Francisco
Hypothesis
ART-related attitudes and beliefs indicating decreased concern about HIV and increased sexual risk-taking due to ART availability would be associated with an increased risk of testing HIV-seropositive.
Conclusion
ART-related risk compensation and a belief that ART cures HIV were associated with an increased HIV seroprevalence among men but not women.
Supporting Evidence
- 71% of participants had heard of ART.
- 23% believed ART was a cure for HIV.
- ART-related risk compensation was associated with increased HIV-seroprevalence in men.
- Young men with ART-related risk compensation had a higher adjusted odds of being HIV positive.
Takeaway
The study found that some men believe ART can cure HIV and that this belief, along with feeling less worried about HIV because of ART, can lead to riskier sexual behavior.
Methodology
A general population-based survey was conducted in Kisumu, Kenya, where participants completed interviews and underwent HIV serological testing.
Potential Biases
The sample may not represent the entire community due to lower response rates and challenges in contacting eligible participants.
Limitations
Lower than expected response rates and potential bias from participants choosing not to provide blood for HIV testing.
Participant Demographics
Participants included 749 men and 906 women aged 15–49, primarily Luo ethnic group and Christian.
Statistical Information
P-Value
AOR=1.45 for risk compensation in men, AOR=2.14 for belief that ART cures HIV.
Confidence Interval
95% CI 1.16–1.81 for risk compensation, 95% CI 1.22–3.76 for belief that ART cures HIV.
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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