The influence of beliefs and attitudes about antiretroviral treatment on inconsistent condom use in Botswana

Abstract

There is little evidence on the influence of attitudes and beliefs of people about ART and inconsistent condom use in Botswana. Using the 2008 Botswana AIDS Impact Survey Data (BAIS III) this study examined the influence of beliefs and attitudes of people about ART on inconsistent use of condoms. A sample of 2087 men and women aged 15-64 years who had ever had sex and had completed BAIS III individual questionnaire were considered for analysis. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were used to explore the relationship between variables of interest. Results have shown that 23% of respondents held the belief that ARVs cure AIDS. Multivariate analyses have shown positive association between the belief that ARVs cure AIDS (OR, 1.2) and inconsistent condom use. Inconsistent condom use was also associated with females (OR, 4.7), no education (OR, 1.9) Primary education (OR, 2.1), having ever married (OR,4.2) and living together (OR, 1.07). Results of this study underscore the need for enhanced efforts to consolidate HIV prevention messages and the need for more widespread dissemination of accurate information about ART.