HIV Preventive Behaviors and Its Associated Factors among Population Aged 15-49 Years in Arada Sub City Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Abstract

Background: Infection with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a major global public health issue that affects millions of people each year. It is Africa‟s second-biggest cause of morbidity and mortality, the fourth major cause of death overall, and the fifth leading cause of death from infectious diseases worldwide. The vast majority of HIV-positive people live in low and middle-income nations. The HIV epidemic, often known as AIDS, varies widely from nation to country and region to region, but it is particularly severe in Sub-Saharan Africa, especially Ethiopia, which accounts for more than two-thirds of the world‟s HIV load. Objective; this study aimed to assess HIV preventive behaviors and its associated factors among 15-49 years age group at Arada sub city Addis Ababa, Ethiopia 2023. Methods; Community based cross-sectional study was conducted in Arada sub city, Addis Ababa from March 1-March 30, 2023. By using systematic random sampling technique, a total of 603 participants were selected. A structured questionnaire was developed from different literature. The data collection tool consisted of the six sections. The collected data were entered into Epi info 7 and analyzed by using SPSS version 25. Bivariable and multivariable binary logistic regression were conducted. All variables having p-value of less than 0.25 in binary logistic regression entered into multiple logistic regressions. A p value of less than 0.05 was considered significance association for HIV preventive behaviors. Result: A total of 599 participants aged 15-49 years were included in the study making a response rate of 99.33%. The prevalence of good HIV preventive behavior among study participants was 58.4%, 95% CI (54.5–60.4%). Factors associated with good HIV preventive behavior were male Sex (AOR=3.6, 95% CI: 2.21, 5.80), age 15-24 years age group (AOR = 0.14, 95% CI = 0.07, 0.25), got formal educational (AOR=2.31, 95%CI= 1.09, 4.87) alcohol consumption (AOR = 0.42, 95% CI: 0.23, 0.75), high perceived threat for HIV (AOR = 1.64, 95% CI: 1.02, 2.64) and high self-efficacy (AOR = 3.1, 95% CI: 1.83, 5.23). Conclusion: Only about 58.4% of 15-49 years age group in the study area was practiced HIV preventive behaviors. Sex, age, educational status, alcohol drinking; perceived threat and self efficacy have significant effect on the behavior related with HIV prevention.