Factors Affecting Knowledge about HIV/AIDS among Rural Villagers in Coastal Kenya

Abstract

Person-to-person interviews were conducted with a convenience sample of 99 residents of 12 rural villages in the coastal region of Kenya. The survey was organized into four sections: demographics; sources of information regarding HIV/AIDS; knowledge about HIV/AIDS and its transmission and prevention; and perception of personal risk. The average age of the study population was 31.6 years. On average, respondents had 7.1 years of formal education, 51.6% were female, 82.8% were married, and 57.6% were Christian. The majority of people received information about HIV/AIDS from the radio (83.9%). Thirty-eight percent of respondents reported currently knowing someone with HIV/AIDS. The average knowledge score about HIV/AIDS transmission and prevention is 71.6%. Significant predictors of a high knowledge score include getting information from a religious leader, a nurse, a friend, AIDS literature, and television. Those who currently know someone with HIV/AIDS have a significantly higher knowledge score.