Changes in HIV knowledge and its determinants in low- and middle-income countries: A longitudinal study

Objectives

HIV remains a significant public health threat in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). This study assessed changes in HIV knowledge and attitudes over time in LMICs.

Study design

Longitudinal study.

Methods

The study was conducted using the Demographic and Health Survey data from 2000 to 2022, including 42 countries with multiple surveys. The correctness of six HIV knowledge items and discriminatory attitudes was assessed. Mixed-effects linear regression assessed factors associated with HIV knowledge.

Results

The study included 4,798,458 participants (median age: 29 years, 23.5 % male). Discriminatory attitudes were reported by 44.4 %. Mixed-effects linear regression showed that higher education, literacy, and wealth index were associated with better knowledge in HIV (p < 0.05). While survey year showed a positive association with HIV knowledge (condom use: β 0.50, 95 % confidence interval [CI] 0.15 to 0.85; mosquito bites: β 1.22, 95 % CI 0.85 to 1.58; sharing food: β 2.02, 95 % CI 1.71 to 2.32; healthy-looking people: β 2.19, 95 % CI 1.80 to 2.58; witchcraft: β 0.66, 95 % CI 0.21 to 1.11), the squared term of survey year had a negative association (condom use: β −0.02, 95 % CI -0.03 to −0.007; mosquito bites: β −0.02, 95 % CI -0.03 to −0.01; sharing food: β −0.07, 95 % CI -0.08 to −0.06; healthy-looking people: β −0.08, 95 % CI -0.09 to −0.08).

Conclusions

HIV knowledge has increased over time but may plateau. Education, literacy, and wealth strongly shape knowledge, underscoring the need for improved awareness and multifaceted, long-term strategies that address systemic inequities and discriminatory attitudes.