Association Between HIV Testing Behavior and Demographic Factors, Risk Perception, and HIV Knowledge Among Guatemalan Women
Author: Lisa G. Nichols
Publisher:
Published: 2016
Total Pages: 72
ISBN-13:
DOWNLOAD EBOOKThe objective of this study was to determine the factors associated with HIV testing behaviors among Guatemalan women using data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) 2008 – 2009 National Health Survey in Guatemala. A total of 16,819 women from the larger sample of 23,905 participants (men and women), aged 15 – 49 years were surveyed using a household, interviewer-administered questionnaire. The survey collected self-reported data on fertility, family planning use, young adult reproductive health and practices, HIV/AIDS knowledge and risk behaviors, history of sexually transmitted infections, nutrition, infant health and mortality, and domestic violence. In the current study, I reported HIV testing behavior, and determined association with demographic factors, risk perception, and HIV knowledge. Significant associations were found between age, HIV knowledge, education, risk perception, marital status, ethnicity, employment, and HIV testing behaviors. The study findings suggest that there has been a shift in HIV testing policy to prioritize indigenous women. It is recommended that HIV prevention campaigns in Guatemala continue to prioritize this group and expand efforts to promote testing among older women. Sustained HIV risk monitoring and access to testing services in indigenous communities are needed.