Assessing spatial patterns of HIV knowledge in rural Mozambique using geographic information systems. Issue 3 (15th December 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Buehler, Charlotte P.; Blevins, Meridith; Ossemane, Ezequiel B.; González‐Calvo, Lázaro; Ndatimana, Elisée; Vermund, Sten H.; Sidat, Mohsin; Olupona, Omo; Moon, Troy D.
• Is Part Of: Tropical medicine & international health. Volume 20:Issue 3(2015:Mar.)
• Page Start: 353
• Page End: 364
• Publication Date: 2014-12-15
• Subjects: Tropical medicine -- Periodicals; Public health -- Periodicals; 616.988
• DOI: 10.1111/tmi.12437
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1360-2276

Abstract

<abstract abstract-type="main" id="tmi12437-abs-0001"> <title>Abstract</title> <sec id="tmi12437-sec-0001" sec-type="section"> <title>Objectives</title> <p>To conduct a cross‐sectional mapping analysis of HIV knowledge in Zambézia Province, Mozambique, and to examine spatial patterns of HIV knowledge and associated household characteristics.</p> </sec> <sec id="tmi12437-sec-0002" sec-type="section"> <title>Methods</title> <p>A population‐based cluster survey was administered in 2010; data were analysed from 201 enumeration areas in three geographically diverse districts: Alto Molócuè, Morrumbala and Namacurra. We assessed HIV knowledge scores (0–9 points) using previously validated assessment tools. Using geographic information systems (GIS), we mapped hot spots of high and low HIV knowledge. Our multivariable linear regression model estimated HIV knowledge associations with distance to nearest clinic offering antiretroviral therapy, respondent age, education, household size, number of children under five, numeracy, literacy and district of residence.</p> </sec> <sec id="tmi12437-sec-0003" sec-type="section"> <title>Results</title> <p>We found little overall HIV knowledge in all three districts. People in Alto Molócuè knew comparatively most about HIV, with a median score of 3 (IQR 2–5) and 22 of 51 (43%) enumeration areas scoring ≥4 of 9 points. Namacurra district, closest to the capital city and expected to have the best HIV knowledge levels, had a median score of 1 (IQR 0–3) and only 3 of 57 (5%) enumeration areas scoring ≥4 points. More HIV knowledge was associated with more education, age, household size, numeracy and proximity to a health facility offering antiretroviral therapy.</p> </sec> <sec id="tmi12437-sec-0004" sec-type="section"> <title>Conclusions</title> <p>HIV knowledge is critical for its prevention and treatment. By pinpointing areas of poor HIV knowledge, programme planners can prioritize educational resources and outreach initiatives within the context of antiretroviral therapy expansion.</p> </sec> </abstract>