AIDS Knowledge and Risk Perception in Urban and Rural Communities in Arusha Region, Tanzania

The purpose of this study was to investigate demographic, cognitive and behavioral factors associated with levels of AIDS knowledge and perceived susceptibility to HIV. Cross-sectional, population-based surveys were conducted in two urban communities, two townships and two rural villages in Arusha region, Tanzania. Eligible participants were 15 to 54 years old living in randomly selected household clusters. A total of 3068 of the eligible men and women participated (62%). The large majority of participants from all six communities had heard of AIDS (96%) and perceived AIDS to be a serious threat to their community (97%). Both men and women had high levels of AIDS knowledge (67% answered at least 17 out of 18 questions correctly). Men reported to discuss AIDS more frequently than did women, and they perceived themselves as being at high risk for HIV infection more often than did women. For both men and women, having higher education and reporting having frequently discussed AIDS were significantly associated with a high score on the AIDS knowledge scale. Living in an urban community, frequently discussing AIDS and previous sexu al behavior were significantly associated with perceived susceptibility for HIV infection among both men and women. It is recommended that future educational efforts focus on creating opportunities for people to discuss HIV/AIDS in safe and supporting environments.