Insight into Jordanian Thinking About HIV: Knowledge of Jordanian Men and Women About HIV Prevention

Esra Alkhasawneh*, Willi McFarland, Jeffery Mandel, Vidya Seshan

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

9 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Research on HIV prevention programs for countries with large Muslim populations is scarce. HIV knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs were assessed in a convenience sample of 128 women and 88 men at two universities in Jordan with the goal of gaining insight into how to approach HIV risk behaviors. In general terms, 97% of participants had heard of AIDS and the majority understood the common methods of transmission. Misconceptions were common; most participants did not recognize condoms as an HIV prevention method. A sense of fatalism regarding the acquisition of HIV was common. In Jordan, challenges to HIV-prevention interventions includes misconceptions about HIV transmission, gender-related differences in the willingness to discuss sexual issues, and fatalism regarding the acquisition of HIV. Silence about sexual activity, particularly among women, was pervasive. Culturally tailored interventions are needed to decrease stigma and address gender inequalities that may contribute to increased risks of HIV in Jordan.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)e1-e9
JournalJournal of the Association of Nurses in AIDS Care
Volume25
Issue number1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Jan 2014

Keywords

  • HIV
  • Jordan
  • Muslim
  • Prevention

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Advanced and Specialised Nursing

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