Knowledge, attitudes, and practice regarding HIV testing among female military family members of childbearing age in Honduras

Abstract

This is a survey of knowledge, attitudes, and practice regarding HIV testing among 187 female family members affiliated with the Honduran Armed Forces and civilian controls. Prior HIV testing was reported by 45%, and 94% expressed willingness to be tested in the future. Pregnancy was the reason for 73% of prior tests, but only 49% of the 149 women with prior pregnancies reported prior tests. Although most women tested for HIV did so during pregnancy, there appears to be a gap in understanding that the rationale is to help prevent maternal-child transmission at birth or through breast-feeding. Military-affiliated women were more likely to describe themselves as being knowledgeable of HIV/AIDS, 95% versus 82% (p < 0.01), but there were few differences in knowledge between groups. Positive perceptions of confidentiality, test accuracy, and self-awareness of HIV were associated with prior testing. Although these differences may point to HIV/AIDS educational areas that should be emphasized for a particular population, the overall content that should be provided to military or civilian families is the same. © Association of Military Surgeons of the U.S. All rights reserved.