Economic growth and HIV knowledge, prevention and access to media in Burundi and Rwanda

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: HIV/AIDS remains a public health concern in both Rwanda and Burundi. These countries share many characteristics but in the last 15 years economic growth has been stronger in Rwanda. This has influenced HIV epidemiology and risky behaviour. METHODS: We extracted data from tables in the available DHS reports from 2010-2019/20. The tables were selected to capture information on vulnerable populations, knowledge levels, at risk behaviour and media access. We compared this information with economic data from the two countries. RESULTS: Rwanda has higher HIV prevalence than Burundi. However, higher prevalence in women, against lower at-risk sexual behaviour, was a common feature. Patterns of HIV prevalence differed in age groups, education level, wealth quintile and residence in the two countries over the past 15 years. Economic growth in Rwanda was markedly higher than Burundi over the same time period. Access to media in general increased and shifted from newspapers to social media, more markedly in Rwanda. CONCLUSION: Epidemiological and behavioural differences suggest that higher economic prosperity in Rwanda compared with Burundi in the past 15 years increased the risk of acquiring HIV in some population groups, in spite of increased access to information. This implies HIV prevention strategies in low- and middle-income countries with marked economic growth may need to be adapted for potential changes in behaviour in certain populations. Enhanced access to social media, as economic growth rises, provides an opportunity to target those with increased risk of acquiring HIV with tailored information.