Determinants of comprehensive HIV and Aids knowledge among Tanzanian adolescent girls and young women

A multilevel application of Andersen’s behavioral model based on national survey

Bibliographic Data

ID22070521
AuthorsMussa Hassan Bago (0000-0001-9564-7541, The University of Dodoma, corresponding author), Elihuruma Eliufoo Stephano (0000-0001-9605-3577, The University of Dodoma), Sahnun Ally Kessy (Instituto Benjamin Constant), Jovin R Tibenderana (0000-0002-3108-4302, Ifakara Health Institute), Victoria Godfrey Majengo (0009-0008-4477-7395, The University of Dodoma), Erick Donard Oguma (0009-0004-4982-9108, The University of Dodoma), Erick Donald Oguma, Tegemea Patrick Mwalingo (0000-0001-9499-5480, The University of Dodoma), Immaculata P Kessy, Azan Nyundo (0000-0002-1433-2271, The University of Dodoma), Azan Abubakar Nyundo, Mtoro J Mtoro (0000-0003-0487-0559)
Year2025
Volume13
Pages1643422-1643422
Publication date2025-09-09
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueFrontiers in Public Health (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 2296-2565 • E-ISSN: 2296-2565
PublisherFrontiers Media SA (PUBLISHER • CH)
DOI10.3389/fpubh.2025.1643422
PMID40994744
OpenAlexW4414157461
LanguageEN
Citations received1
References cited27

Background Limited comprehensive HIV and AIDS knowledge is a significant factor contributing to the prevalence of HIV among adolescent girls and young women (AGYW). Therefore, this study aimed to determine the level of comprehensive HIV and AIDS knowledge and identify its associated factors among AGYW in Tanzania. Methods An Analytical cross-sectional study of the 2022 Tanzania Demographic and Health Surveys data was conducted. The study included 5,810 AGYW, selected through a two-stage sampling method. Multilevel logistic regression, accounting for the complex survey design, was used to identify individual and community-level factors associated with comprehensive HIV/AIDS knowledge. Analyses were conducted using Stata 18.5. Adjusted odds ratios (AORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were reported, and statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Results The prevalence of comprehensive HIV and AIDS knowledge among AGYW was 46.2% (95% CI: 44.3–48.2%). In the final fitted multivariable analyses, AGYW in primary (AOR = 1.97, 95%CI: 1.56–2.47), secondary (AOR = 3.79, 95%CI: 2.96–4.85), AGYW in a rich quantile (AOR = 1.38, 95%CI: 1.15–1.66), owning a mobile phone (AOR = 1.26, 95%CI: 1.09–1.45), the use of the internet (AOR = 1.40, 95%CI: 1.16–1.68) and AGWY who ever tested for HIV (AOR = 1.61, 95%CI: 1.39–1.87) had higher odds of having comprehensive knowledge compared to their counterparts. At the community level, geographical zones exhibited higher odds of having comprehensive knowledge. Conclusion Despite notable progress in HIV education, gaps persist, especially among AGYW, underscoring the need for focused, diversified interventions. By advancing understanding of these determinants, the study provides crucial evidence to inform tailored HIV prevention strategies aimed at enhancing knowledge and reducing infection rates within this vulnerable population and improving safer sex practices

Adolescent health · Behavior change · Behavioral modeling · Multilevel model · Population · Safer sex · Sexual behavior · Theory of planned behavior · Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health · HIV/AIDS Research and Interventions · Mobile Health and mHealth Applications