Sociodemographic and sexual variables associated with knowledge about human immunodeficiency virus transmission

Abstract

Objective: to analyze the association between sociodemographic and sexual variables of women in a context of vulnerability and their knowledge about the ways of HIV transmission. Methods: cross-sectional, analytical, and exploratory study conducted in a Primary Health Care Unit, with 221 women. The collection occurred with instruments containing sociodemographic, gynecological, and obstetric, sexual data and measurement of knowledge about HIV. Results: knowledge about the ways of HIV transmission was associated with age and education of the interviewees. Conclusion: the high prevalence of inadequate knowledge about HIV was explained by the younger age group of women, while the reduction of this outcome was seen in those with higher education. Contributions to practice: the data presented can subsidize new approaches and care practices in the field of sexual and reproductive health from the proposed analysis, aiming to raise awareness about testing, timely treatment and breaking the chain of transmission.