How Gender and High-Risk Sexual Behavior are related to HIV/AIDS as a Result of Insufficient Awareness/ Misinformation and Abuse of Psychoactive Substances among Merchants?

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Mananga Lelo G*, Mampunza M Miezi S, Alliocha Nkodia and Mussa Mahamudi R Faculty of Medicine, University of Kinshasa, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo

Abstract

Background: Knowledge about the transmission and prevention of HIV/AIDS does not prevent new infection in young people, particularly women and children. Objective: To assess the level of knowledge about HIV, substance abuse and unsafe sexual practices among merchants in Kinshasa, DR Congo. Methodology: A study was conducted of awareness, attitudes, and practices involving 2,256 randomly selected merchants in the six major open-air markets of Kinshasa from August to September 2016. Data was collected using a standard questionnaire targeting true and incorrect knowledge/misinformation about HIV, high-risk sexual practices and consumption and abuse of psychoactive substances. The means of transmission and the preventive measures were considered as dependent variables. Logistic regression revealed determinants at P<0.005. Results: • The mean age was 38.2 ± 12.9 years with a gender ratio of 1H: 1F. • 77% were educated. • 53% had insufficient overall knowledge of HIV/AIDS. • 75% had unprotected sexual practices. • 47% reported incorrect overall knowledge. • Age >25 years old, consumption of psychoactive substances and low level of education were the determinants for lack of knowledge/misinformation. • Age <45 years old, male, high-level of education, unmarried and abuse of psychoactive substances were the determinants of high-risk sexual behavior. • The consumption of psychoactive substances was more frequent in males. Conclusion: The young, educated merchants in Kinshasa had a low overall level of education on HIV/AIDS, worsen by erroneous knowledge. They had sexual risk behaviors mediated by male gender, unmarried status and the psychoactive substances abuse. Keywords: Gender; HIV/AIDS; Incorrect Awareness/misinformation; Psychoactive substances; Risk behaviors This article is available in: http://hiv.imedpub.com