Discriminatory Attitudes towards People Living with HIV and its Associated Factors among Adolescent Girls and Young Women in Tanzania: A Nationwide Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Introduction: Widespread discriminatory attitudes (DAs) discourage HIV testing and undermine adherence to antiretroviral therapy. This study determined the proportion and factors associated with DAs towards people living with HIV (PLHIV) among adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) in Tanzania.

Methods: A secondary data analysis was conducted using data from the 2022 Tanzania Demographic and Health Survey and Malaria Indicator Survey. A total weighted sample of 5,810 AGYW aged 15 to 24 years was used. Data were analyzed using STATA version 18.0. The strength of the association was measured by using the adjusted odds ratio (AOR) and its associated 95% confidence interval (CI).

Results: The overall DAs towards PLHIV among AGYW in Tanzania were 30.5% (95%CI: 28.7-32.3). Although the proportion of DAs was higher among adolescent girls, 33.0% (95%CI:30.7-35.3), than among young women, 27.7% (95%CI:25.5-30.12). Factors significantly associated with DAs included being aged 15-19 years (AOR=1.21, 95%CI:1.01-1.44), urban residence (AOR=1.80, 95%CI:1.46-2.22), informal education (AOR=1.84, 95%CI:1.35-2.51) and primary education (AOR=1.30, 95%CI:1.04-1.63), poor quintile (AOR=1.39, 95%CI:1.09-1.79), insufficient knowledge on HIV (AOR=1.97, 95%CI:1.58-2.44), never tested for HIV (AOR=1.27, 95%CI:1.07-1.51), having no knowledge on HIV prevention methods (AOR=1.27, 95%CI:1.05-1.55), and never watched television (AOR=1.46, 95%CI:1.17-1.82).

Conclusion: The DAs toward PLHIV among AGYW were 30.5%. This was mostly associated with age, limited knowledge of HIV, residing in urban areas, low education levels and economic status. The study underscores the need for targeted education initiatives to mitigate DAs and enhance understanding of HIV among AGYW in Tanzania.