Factors associated with HIV/AIDS knowledge and risk perception in rural Malawi

Type Journal Article - AIDS and Behavior
Title Factors associated with HIV/AIDS knowledge and risk perception in rural Malawi
Author(s)
Volume 8
Issue 2
Publication (Day/Month/Year) 2004
Page numbers 131-140
URL http://www.springerlink.com/content/u6864m5342035657/
Abstract
Measures of HIV/AIDS knowledge and risk perception are important because they are often linked to behavioral change both in theory and in practice. This study examines knowledge and risk perception by assessing their relationship with demographic characteristics, first source of HIV/AIDS information, and behavioral and cognitive risk exposures among men and women in a rural district of Malawi. The data come from a panel study of 940 women aged 15–34 years and 661 men aged 20–44 years. Descriptive statistics and multivariate regression models are used for the analysis. The results indicate that knowledge of HIV/AIDS does not necessarily translate into perceived risk. In addition, there appears to be a gender difference in the influence of cognitive and behavioral factors on perceived risk.

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