Introduction The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region has experienced a notable increase in HIV infections in recent years, with limited epidemiological and behavioral data from Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, including Saudi Arabia. This study aimed to address the critical knowledge gaps by examining HIV-related knowledge, attitudes, and testing behaviors among adults in Saudi Arabia to inform culturally appropriate public health interventions. Methodology A cross-sectional survey was conducted among adults from various regions of Saudi Arabia. Data were collected using a validated electronic Arabic-language questionnaire that assessed socio-demographic characteristics, objective HIV knowledge, self-perceived knowledge, attitudes towards people living with HIV (PLWHIV), history of testing, exposure to health education, and perceptions of societal stigma. A total of 475 eligible respondents were considered in the analyses. Results The overall mean HIV knowledge score was 6.62 ± 2.44. Although 364 (76.6%) of participants identified the primary modes of HIV transmission, 209 (44.0%) perceived HIV as a fatal disease. Furthermore, 258 (54.3%) of respondents perceived Saudi society as “not accepting” of people living with HIV (PLWHIV), and 285 (60.0%) considered discussions about HIV to be culturally sensitive. The rate of voluntary HIV testing was low. The predominant reason cited was “testing was unnecessary”. However, among those who had never been tested, 177 (54.5%) expressed willingness to undergo testing if it were provided free of charge and confidential. Majorities of respondents supported the integration of HIV-related information into educational curricula (93.5%). Higher educational attainment ( p = 0.003), prior HIV testing ( p 0.001), and exposure to health education ( p 0.001) were significantly associated with higher HIV knowledge scores. Interestingly, 99 (66.0%) of individuals who had previously undergone HIV testing, compared with 159 (48.9%) of those who had never been tested, perceived society as non-accepting of PLWHIV. Discussion This study confirms substantial gaps in comprehensive HIV knowledge, persistent societal stigma, and low uptake of voluntary HIV testing among adults in Saudi Arabia. Despite these challenges, there is a considerable public support for expanding HIV education and improving access to testing services. The findings highlight the urgent need for culturally sensitive, evidence-based public health strategies that address knowledge deficits, reduce stigma, and promote widely accessible HIV testing services. Strengthening these efforts is essential to accelerate Saudi Arabia’s progress toward achieving the UNAIDS 95-95-95 targets.
Shabi et al. (Tue,) studied this question.