HIV-related knowledge level among Indonesian women between 15 years and 49 years of age

BACKGROUND: Women are a highly vulnerable population for HIV-infection, influenced by biological, cultural, social and economic factors. Inadequate knowledge about the risk for exposure to HIV will impact the prevention and treatment of HIV. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to examine HIV-related knowledge among women in Indonesia and the associated demographic determinants that influence their access to accurate HIV-related information. METHODS: This was a secondary analysis of the Indonesia Demographic and Health Survey in 2012. Level of HIV-related knowledge was determined by analyzing nine items on the 2012 IDHS instrument. RESULTS: The percentage of women in Indonesia between the ages of 15 and 49 years of age, more than half (53.6%) had high score of HIV-related knowledge. The results from logistic regression showed that women aged 30–34 years old had 2.2 times higher knowledge level about HIV compared to older women. Married women, living in rural area, with a lower level of education, reported to have limited or no access to HIV related information; thus, had a correspondingly lower knowledge level of HIV. CONCLUSION: Study findings underscore the lack of knowledge-level among Indonesian women about HIV, especially the prevention, transmission, and prevention mother to child transmission (PMCT).