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Objectives: This review seeks to critically analyze studies assessing gender
differences in HIV-related knowledge among adolescents and young people in
low- and middle-income countries.
Methods: Using PRISMA guidelines and searching Pubmed and Scopus online
databases, the search strategy combined search keywords with Boolean
operators: (HIV OR AIDS) AND (knowledge) AND (gender) AND (adolescents). AC
and EG conducted the search and independently reviewed all articles in
Covidence software; conflicts were resolved by GC. Articles were included if
they evaluated differences in HIV knowledge in at least two groups ages 10–24
and were implemented in a low or middle-income country.
Results: The search resulted in 4,901 articles, of which fifteen studies,
implemented in 15 countries, met selection criteria. Twelve evaluated
differences in HIV knowledge in school settings; three evaluated participants in
clinic settings. Adolescent males consistently scored higher in composite
knowledge scores, as well as knowledge of HIV transmission, prevention,
attitudes and sexual decision-making.
Conclusion: We found gender-based discrepancies between knowledge,
perception of risk and HIV prevalence among youth globally, with boys
consistently scoring higher in HIV knowledge. However, there is significant
evidence that social and cultural contexts render girls at high risk of HIV
infection, and the gaps in girls’ knowledge and boys’ roles in HIV risk must be
addressed urgently. Future research should consider interventions that facilitate
discussion and HIV knowledge building across genders. |
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