Changes in HIV-related knowledge, behaviors, and sexual practices among Cambodian women from 2000 to 2005

This article describes changes in HIV-related behaviors, knowledge, and sexual practices among Cambodian women from 2000 to 2005.

A secondary analysis compared selected indicators in the HIV-related behavior and knowledge of women aged 15-49 in Cambodia between 2000 and 2005 using data from two Cambodia Demographic and Health Surveys (CDHS). The chi-square test was used to test the significant differences of indicators between the two points in time.

Almost all knowledge of HIV prevention and level of acceptance toward people living with HIV/AIDS significantly increased. Risk behaviors related to HIV infection significantly improved between these two time points. However, some behaviors remained unchanged or worsened over the 5-year period; for example, the proportion of primary abstinence among young women declined from 72% to 67%. Furthermore, although protecting behaviors, such as the use of condoms, substantially changed, their prevalence remained very low. Changes and improvements in most of the indicators were more pronounced in rural areas than in urban areas.

Our findings suggest significant improvement in several HIV-related risk behaviors and knowledge among Cambodian women since 2000. However, efforts to improve this knowledge and behavior related to HIV infection and AIDS among the population must continue and be strengthened.