Effects of loving or HABIBI educational prevention intervention on HIV/AIDS knowledge, attitude and condom use among internally displaced males from Libya: A quasi-experimental study

Abstract

Objective

Libya continues to face significant public health challenge as a result of the ongoing civil war since 2011, including HIV prevention among displaced populations. This study aims at examining the impact of the HABIBI educational intervention on HIV knowledge, attitudes, and condom use among male Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) in Libya.

Methods

A quasi-experimental study with pre-post-tests was conducted in two IDP camps in Tripoli (August–October 2023). The study was carried out in two IDP camps from different locations in Tripoli, Libya. Systematic random sampling included 30 participants in both intervention and comparison groups. Outcomes were measured at baseline, 4 weeks, and 8 weeks using Repeated Measures Chi-Square and ANOVA.

Results

The intervention group showed significant improvements in HIV knowledge from baseline (p = 0.06) to week four (p < 0.01) and week eight (p < 0.01). HIV attitudes improved by 27.59 % (p < 0.01) in the intervention group, compared to 0.68 % (p = 0.54) in the comparison group at 8 weeks. Condom attitudes were significantly higher in the intervention group at all time points (p < 0.01). Condom use increased in the intervention group over 8 weeks (p < 0.01) but not in the comparison group (p = 0.38). Barriers to condom use included trust in partners and cultural stigma around purchase.

Conclusions

The HABIBI intervention effectively improved HIV-related knowledge, attitudes, and condom use among Libyan IDPs. Addressing cultural stigma is crucial for enhancing public health interventions in conflict zones.