Patterns of knowledge and condom use among population groups: Results from the 2005 Ethiopian Behavioral Surveillance Surveys on HIV

Abstract

Background: Behavioral surveys help interpret the magnitude of HIV/AIDS. We analyzed indicators of knowledge on HIV/AIDS and condom use among different groups of populations selected for behavioral surveillance in Ethiopia. Methods: We used HIV/AIDS Behavioural Surveillance Surveys (BSS) data collected from ten target groups in Ethiopia. These were female sex workers, military personnel, police force, pastoralists, long distance truck drivers, intercity bus drivers, road construction workers, teachers, factory workers and ANC catchment populations. Results: Data from 14,524 individuals were analyzed. The majority were male (63.6%). Knowledge of the three preventive methods (abstinence, faithfulness and consistent condom use), misconceptions and comprehensive knowledge was 57%, 75% and 18.5%, respectively. Female sex workers and the defence force showed positive results in using condom during last sexual encounter and did so consistently with non regular sexual partners and paying partners. Women, pastoralists and the illiterate were negatively impacted. Conclusion: Inadequate and incorrect knowledge on HIV/AIDS was observed with special deficiency among the underserved groups such as pastoralists. Women and the older age group were found to be at a disadvantage. The findings indicate the need to expand prevention activities to hard-to-reach groups and such a certain specific population segments. Population groups such as female sex workers and the defense force that were known to be severely affected by the epidemic and are focus of HIV/AIDS interventions showed positive behaviors. Although this s encouraging, considerable proportion of the study groups did not use condom during sex with non regular partners. This underscores the importance of intensifying interventions across all groups and extended to their localities.