HIV-related knowledge level among Indonesian women between 15 years and 49 years of age

Background: Women are a highly vulnerable population for HIV-infection, influenced by biological, cultural, social and economic factors. Inadequate knowledge about the risk for exposure to HIV will impact the prevention and treatment of HIV. Objectives: The aim of this study was to examine HIV-related knowledge among women in Indonesia and the associated demographic determinants that influence their access to accurate HIV-related information. Methods: This was a secondary analysis of the Indonesia Demographic and Health Survey in 2012. Level of HIV-related knowledge was determined by analyzing nine items on the 2012 IDHS instrument. Results: The percentage of women in Indonesia between the ages of 15 and 49 years of age, more than half (53.6%) had high score of HIV-related knowledge. The results from logistic regression showed that women aged 30-34 years old had 2.2 times higher knowledge level about HIV compared to older women. Married women, living in rural area, with a lower level of education, reported to have limited or no access to HIV related information; thus, had a correspondingly lower knowledge level of HIV. Conclusion: Study findings underscore the lack of knowledge-level among Indonesian women about HIV, especially the prevention, transmission, and prevention mother to child transmission (PMCT).<p></p>