Understanding HIV/AIDS knowledge deprivation among Bangladeshi women: A multidimensional approach

Background: While global cases of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) have decreased in recent years, the incidence of Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) is increasing in Bangladesh, and women are more susceptible to it. An equitable knowledge about this disease plays a crucial role in the successful prevention of HIV/AIDS. Despite an evident inequality in the existing knowledge and awareness of HIV/AIDS, the extent of the inequality and the responsible factors have not been investigated in the context of Bangladesh before. Objective: This study aims to quantify the level of knowledge deprivation about HIV/AIDS and explore the existing socioeconomic class-based inequality in that knowledge. Data: Data for the study was extracted from 2011 and 2014 Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey, which collected information on ever-married women of Bangladesh. Methods: The study constructed a multidimensional knowledge deprivation score using the information on eleven HIV/AIDS-knowledge questions from four domains (prevention, transmission, misconception and practical knowledge) employing the Rasch model. Ranking the score into three categories, the determinants of HIV/AIDS knowledge deprivation were analysed using a partial proportional ordered logistic regression analysis. Concentration indices and decomposition techniques were applied to investigate the extent and drivers of HIV/AIDS-related knowledge inequality. Results: The results suggest that knowledge deprivation about HIV/AIDS increased from 2011 to 2014, and it was mostly concentrated among poorer women. Decomposition analysis demonstrated that education, exposure to media, and empowerment beliefs accounted for a substantial share of overall inequality in HIV/AIDS-related knowledge. Interestingly, higher age at first marriage reduced HIV/AIDS knowledge deprivation significantly in both survey years. Conclusion: The findings of this study highlight the importance of female education in spreading the knowledge and awareness of HIV/AIDS in Bangladesh. Specifically, the education-oriented programs which clearly elucidate the rights of women should be prioritised. Regular exposure to mass media should be ensured. Additionally, stringent policy enforcement to prevent early marriage is necessary for better control of HIV/AIDS in Bangladesh.