Assessing knowledge, attitude, behavior, and practices related to human immunodeficiency virus infection and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome in a United States-Based refugee population

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Publication Type dissertation
School or College School of Medicine
Department Family & Preventive Medicine
Author Munene, Esther N.
Title Assessing knowledge, attitude, behavior, and practices related to human immunodeficiency virus infection and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome in a United States-Based refugee population
Date 2012-05
Description Human Immunodeficiency Virus infection (HIV) and Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) continue to be major global health priorities. Although forced displacement is believed to fuel HIV/AIDS epidemic in countries affected by conflict, factors associated with forced displacement and HIV risk in conflict-affected populations are not well understood. The aims of this study were therefore (1) to describe factors that influence risk for HIV infection in a Utah-based Burundi refugee population and (2) explore relationship between Knowledge, Attitudes, and Behavior/Practices (KABP) in order design targeted HIV/AIDS prevention interventions for the population. We conducted a systematic review of studies on HIV/AIDS risk and protective factors and interventions that target HIV risk factors. Although the review found a plethora of data collection tools, there was marked shortage of culturally appropriate instruments with demonstrated reliability or validity. We therefore designed a valid, reliable, culturally appropriate questionnaire for use in assessing HIV/AIDS knowledge, attitudes, and behavior/practices. The questionnaire was administered in a cross-sectional study to a random sample (with replacement) of 215 Burundi refugees (n = 76 and age ≥ 12). The main outcome measure was behavior/practices. Predictor variables were: (1) knowledge; (2) Attitude; (3) selfefficacy. Univariate, bivariate, and multivariate analyses were performed. Regression models were developed to highlight significant predictors of HIV infection in the population. Results were controlled for known confounders. Questionnaire reliability was satisfactory (Cronbach's Alpha ≥ 0.70). A 97.36% response rate was achieved. Significant predictors of protective HIV/AIDS behavior/practices were self-efficacy (b = 0.248, p = 0.027) and HIV/AIDS-knowledge (b = 0.454, p < 0.001). Attitude towards HIV/AIDS (b = 0.5071, p < 0.001) was a significant predictor of HIV/AIDS knowledge. Behavior/ practices were strongly associated with knowledge, attitudes, self-efficacy, gender, and household size. Overall, men were more knowledgeable than women iv and had higher self-efficacy. Women had more positive attitudes and scored higher behavior/practices. These findings create foundational HIV/AIDS KABP as a basis for designing targeted, culturally-tailored HIV/AIDS interventions strategies for the population.
Type Text
Publisher University of Utah
Subject HIV-positive persons - United States; HIV-positive persons - Attitudes; Refugees - Medical care - United States
Subject MESH HIV Infections; Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome; Refugees; United Nations; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; Self Efficacy; Risk Reduction Behavior; Attitude to Health; Sexually Transmitted Diseases; Sampling Studies
Dissertation Institution University of Utah
Dissertation Name Doctor of Philosophy
Language eng
Relation is Version of Digital reproduction of Assessing Knowledge, Attitude, Behavior, and Practices Related to Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infection and Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome in a United States-Based Refugee Population. Spencer S. Eccles Health Sciences Library. Print version available at J. Willard Marriott Library Special Collections.
Rights Management Copyright © Esther N. Munene 2012
Format Medium application/pdf
Format Extent 436,950 bytes
Source Original in Marriott Library Special Collections, RA4.5 2012.M86
ARK ark:/87278/s64n2crg
Setname ir_etd
ID 196343
Reference URL https://collections.lib.utah.edu/ark:/87278/s64n2crg
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