Women's reproductive health, sociocultural context and AIDS knowledge in Northern India
Saseendran Pallikadavath; Jayachandran, A.A.; Stones, R.W.
Journal of Health Management 7(1): 109-128
2005
ISSN/ISBN: 0972-0634 DOI: 10.1177/097206340400700104Document Number: 531127
This paper identifies sociocultural and reproductive health correlates of knowledge about HIV among ever-married women using 1998-99 National Family Health Survey data from 2 low HIV prevalence Indian states, Madhya Pradesh (MP) and Uttar Pradesh (UP). Logistic regressions were undertaken modelling women's awareness of HIV, of whether the disease can be avoided and of effective means of protection. In MP 22.7% women were aware of HIV; 56.4% (of 22.7%) knew that the disease can be avoided; and 47.5% (of 56.4%) possessed correct knowledge about effective means of protection. In UP 20.7% women had awareness of HIV; 59.2% (of 20.7%) knew that the disease can be avoided; and 45.7% (of 59.2%) were informed about effective means of protection. In both states older, uneducated, rural, poor, those not exposed to television, and those who had never used a modern family planning method were less likely to possess HIV awareness. However, for women who were aware of HIV, acquisition of further knowledge about it had fewer socioeconomic barriers. These barriers were state specific so interventions to overcome them need to be highly focused.