Prevalence of Inadequate HIV Knowledge and Its Associated Factors among the Malaysian General Population: Findings from The National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS) 2020

Abstract Background Inadequate knowledge of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is underscored as a key factor contributing to the HIV epidemic. Nonetheless, current data on HIV knowledge in Malaysia are still scarce. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the prevalence of inadequate HIV knowledge and its associated factors among the general Malaysian population. Method The study utilized data from the National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS) 2020, a nationwide cross-sectional survey involving respondents aged 13 years and above. HIV knowledge was assessed using the UNGASS indicators questionnaire, which comprises five questions on HIV prevention and transmission. The data were collected using the computer assisted telephone interviewing (CATI) method. Respondents who did not correctly answer all five questions were considered to have inadequate knowledge about HIV. Descriptive analysis and complex sample logistic regression were performed using SPSS version 28.0. Results The study revealed an overall prevalence of inadequate HIV knowledge of 77.4%, with adolescents aged 13-19 having the highest prevalence of 86.1%. Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that respondents with no formal education (aOR 4.34, 95% CI: 0.65, 29.08) had four times the risk of lacking HIV knowledge. Non-Malaysian respondents (aOR 1.96, 95% CI: 0.78, 4.90) and respondents who worked as unpaid workers, homemakers or caregivers (aOR 1.71, 95% CI: 1.05, 2,82) were also significantly more likely to have inadequate HIV knowledge. Conclusion Three out of four Malaysians were found to lack HIV knowledge. These findings emphasize the importance of targeted HIV prevention initiatives and educational programs aimed at enhancing knowledge and dispelling misconceptions about HIV.