Women’s sexual autonomy as a determinant of misconception about modes of transmission of HIV in Nigeria

HIV prevention strategies have been hampered by sustained discriminatory attitudes and misconceptions about its modes of transmission. Women of low socioeconomic status lack agency to resist unhealthy sexual practices with their partners. While women’s sexual autonomy has been documented to be influenced by socioeconomic and demographic characteristics, little information exists on the relationship between women’s sexual autonomy and misconception about the modes of HIV transmission. Data were extracted from the 2018 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey, with a weighted sample size of 21,911. The outcome variable was misconception about the modes of HIV transmission. The principal explanatory variable was women’s sexual autonomy. Data were analysed using frequency distribution and binary logistic regression model. The study revealed high sexual autonomy was associated with lower odds of misconception (aOR=0.62; C. I=0.54-0.71, p<0.001). Women with higher sexual autonomy and discriminatory attitudes had lower odds of misconceptions about modes of HIV transmission (aOR=0.66; C I=0.60-0.73, p<0.001). Low media exposure, poor wealth index, no formal education, rural residence, acceptance of wife beating, and inordinate marital control were associated with higher odds of misconception about the modes of HIV transmission. Women’s sexual autonomy influenced misconception. Empowering women could prevent their biased thoughts about the modes of HIV transmission.