[Knowledge, attitudes and practices ABOUT HIV/AIDS in peruvian women]

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Epidemiology
• Social Sciences

Background:

• Sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), pose a significant health challenge globally.
• Understanding knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) is crucial for effective prevention strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the level of knowledge, attitudes, and safe sex practices concerning HIV infection among Peruvian women aged 15 to 49.
• To identify factors associated with adequate KAP regarding HIV/STIs in this demographic.

Main Methods:

• Utilized data from the 2004-2007 Peruvian Demographic and Health Survey (DHS).
• Employed descriptive statistical analysis and logistic regression to examine associations between variables.
• Focused on knowledge, attitudes, and safe sexual practices as dependent variables.

Main Results:

• Only 47.8% of women demonstrated good knowledge of STIs, 50.7% had proper attitudes, and 48.8% practiced safe sex.
• Higher education, socioeconomic status, childhood residence in the capital, professional/clerical employment, and media access were linked to better KAP.
• Significant gaps in knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding HIV/STIs were identified.

Conclusions:

• The overall level of knowledge, attitudes, and practices concerning STIs among Peruvian women aged 15-49 is inadequate.
• Targeted interventions are needed to improve STI/HIV prevention and education in Peru.
• Socioeconomic and educational factors play a critical role in shaping health behaviors related to STIs.