Recent trends in HIV-related knowledge and behaviors in Ethiopia, 2000-2005

Vinod Mishra, Macro International Inc.
Chiho Suzuki, Family Health International
Pav Govindasamy, ORC Macro
Rathavuth Hong, Macro International Inc.
Yuan Gu, Macro International Inc.

According to the 2005 Ethiopia Demographic and Health Survey, 1.4 percent of Ethiopian adults (age 15-49) were infected with HIV. The prevalence was much higher in urban areas, among women, and among adults who had multiple sex partners and non-regular partners. Using data from the two recent Ethiopia Demographic and Health Surveys, conducted in 2000 and 2005, this study examined trends in key HIV-related knowledge, attitudes, and sexual behavior indicators. The trends were examined using the t-test to determine significant changes in selected indicators during 2000 and 2005. The results indicate that knowledge of HIV prevention methods has stagnated in recent years, but there has been a considerable increase in youth practicing sexual abstinence. Fewer adults reported having multiple partners and the proportion reporting sex with a non-spousal partner decreased substantially. The overall use of condoms remained low, but the use of condoms with non-spousal partners increased substantially.