The role of HIV knowledge on HIV‐related behaviours: a hierarchical analysis of adults in Trinidad

Abstract

The objective of the present study was to examine the effect of HIV knowledge on HIV‐related behaviours by developing an exploratory model based on social‐psychological theories of behaviour change. Data were analyzed from 1,351 male and female adults, both married and single, from Trinidad using hierarchical logistic regression. Higher levels of formal education were associated with higher levels of HIV knowledge while HIV knowledge was associated with concern about personal risk of HIV. HIV knowledge was also associated with both communicating with sex partners about HIV and condom possession as persons with higher levels of knowledge were more likely to talk to partners and to possess condoms. While HIV knowledge did not emerge as having a direct association with consistent condom use, both communication and condom possession (which are associated with HIV knowledge) did. The results suggest those HIV prevention programmes employing a poly‐theoretical approach could be effective in increasing talking about safer sex, possessing condoms and ultimately using condoms consistently.

Citation

Norman, L.R. and Carr, R. (2003), "The role of HIV knowledge on HIV‐related behaviours: a hierarchical analysis of adults in Trinidad", Health Education, Vol. 103 No. 3, pp. 145-155. https://doi.org/10.1108/09654280310472360