HIV Stigma in Awi Zone, Northwest Ethiopia, and a Unique Community Association as a Potential Partner

Muluken Azage Yenesew, Gizachew Yismaw, Dabere Nigatu, Yibeltal Alemu, Addisu Gasheneit, Taye Zeru, Belay Bezabih and Getahun Abate ()
Additional contact information
Muluken Azage Yenesew: School of Public Health, Bahir Dar University, Bahir Dar P.O. Box 79, Ethiopia
Gizachew Yismaw: Amhara Public Health Institute, Bahir Dar P.O. Box 3898, Ethiopia
Dabere Nigatu: School of Public Health, Bahir Dar University, Bahir Dar P.O. Box 79, Ethiopia
Yibeltal Alemu: School of Public Health, Bahir Dar University, Bahir Dar P.O. Box 79, Ethiopia
Addisu Gasheneit: Awi Zone Health Office, Amhara Regional State Health Bureau, Bahir Dar P.O. Box 79, Ethiopia
Taye Zeru: Amhara Public Health Institute, Bahir Dar P.O. Box 3898, Ethiopia
Belay Bezabih: Amhara Public Health Institute, Bahir Dar P.O. Box 3898, Ethiopia
Getahun Abate: Division of Infectious Diseases, Saint Louis University, Saint Louis, MO 63104, USA

IJERPH, 2024, vol. 21, issue 8, 1-14

Abstract: Indigenous institutions play a vital role in fighting HIV stigma by leveraging their cultural knowledge, leadership, and community connections. Understanding HIV/AIDS attitudes, information gaps, and stigma among members of indigenous institutions is critical for devising culturally relevant and successful interventions and preventative strategies. This study was conducted with the objective of assessing the levels of knowledge about HIV/AIDS and the various HIV/AIDS discriminatory attitudes and practices among members of the Awi Equestrian Association, an indigenous association in Awi Zone, Northwest Ethiopia, that plays major roles in the social, cultural, political, and economic activities of the community. The study is a cross-sectional study conducted from June through July 2022. Eight hundred and forty-six people in the study area were interviewed using a pilot-tested questionnaire. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to identify factors associated with the score level of HIV-related stigma. Forty-five percent of study participants did not have adequate knowledge of HIV/AIDS, and 67.4% had moderate to high discriminatory attitudes towards people living with HIV. HIV-stigmatizing practices were high, with 36% admitting to speaking badly about people living with HIV and 23% wanting their relative with HIV to seek treatment in another zone. In our study, low level of knowledge about HIV/AIDS ( p < 0.001), older age ( p < 0.05), and male sex ( p < 0.05) were factors associated with higher levels of stigmatizing practices. In conclusion, HIV-related stigma is common in Awi Zone. The Awi Equestrian Association has become a unique potential partner for HIV control in the area in an effort to achieve United Nation AIDS target of 95–95–95.

Keywords: HIV; stigma; Awi; equestrian association (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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