Comprehensive knowledge and positive attitudes regarding HIV/AIDS among reproductive-aged women in Bangladesh and their associated factors: a cross-sectional study using the Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey 2019

Abstract Background HIV/AIDS remains a global health concern and understanding the knowledge and attitudes of at-risk populations is crucial for effective prevention and management. This study examines the knowledge and attitudes related to HIV/AIDS among reproductive-aged women in Bangladesh and explores associated factors. Methods The study analyzed data from a total of 39,066 reproductive women, obtained from the nationally representative 2019 Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey. The outcome variables assessed were the level of HIV/AIDS-related knowledge (high vs low) and attitudes regarding HIV/AIDS (good vs poor). These variables were derived by calculating the median values of scores obtained from nine and six questions in the survey that assessed knowledge and attitudes toward HIV/AIDS, respectively. The explanatory variables included sociodemographic factors and variables related to media exposure. A multivariate logistic regression model was employed to investigate the associations between the outcome and explanatory variables. Results Over half of the total respondents (51.6%) reported a lower level of knowledge, and a significant majority (54.2%) exhibited poor attitudes regarding HIV/AIDS, with notable variations observed across districts. Women in comparatively higher age groups, those with higher levels of education, hailing from more affluent families, residing in urban areas, and having exposure to newspapers, the internet, computers, and mobile phones displayed higher levels of knowledge regarding HIV/AIDS. Conversely, women with higher education levels, residing in rural areas, and having exposure to mobile phones and the internet exhibited good attitudes regarding HIV/AIDS. Unmarried respondents reported lower likelihoods of good attitude towards HIV/AIDS. Conclusion The findings underscores the urgent need for policies and programs designed to improve HIV/AIDS-related knowledge and attitudes, with a focus on district-level requirements. Effective strategies may include mass media campaigns and the incorporation of HIV/AIDS- related topics into the national curriculum.