HIV infection associated with gap in knowledge and risky sexual behaviour among youth in Uganda: a Gender perspective

Shraboni Patra, International Institute for Population Sciences (IIPS)

In Uganda, the increasing difference in the prevalence of HIV between men and women clearly shows that women are disproportionately affected by HIV. The study shows gender differentials in risky sexual behaviour and in the knowledge of HIV transmission among Ugandan youth. The UAIS, 2011 data is used. Total samples of men and women are 3450 and 4504 respectively. Young women are more vulnerable than young men in acquiring HIV (OR=1.762, p<0.001). Women who had their first sex at the age below 15 years (7.3%), had more than two sex partners (9.2%) and who did not use a condom during last sex (6.4%) are more HIV infected. Less percentage (81.3%, p<0.01) of women than men perceives that correct and consistent use of the condom may reduce HIV transmission. Growing gender equity in HIV/AIDS activities, addressing male behaviour, improving women’s legal protection, and rising women’s access to income are required.