Knowledge and attitudes of prospective brides and grooms toward premarital HIV screening: A cross-sectional study
Keywords:
attitude, HIV, knowledge, premarital screening, testingAbstract
Premarital HIV screening can identify HIV infection before marriage, support timely counseling and antiretroviral treatment, and reduce the risk of transmission to partners and future families. However, screening effectiveness depends not only on test availability but also on whether prospective couples understand HIV and are willing to disclose results and engage in follow-up care. This study analyzed the relationship between knowledge and attitudes of prospective brides and grooms toward premarital HIV screening at Dolik Public Health Center. A quantitative analytical cross-sectional study was conducted among 72 prospective brides and grooms who underwent premarital HIV screening. Participants were selected using purposive sampling. Knowledge about HIV and premarital screening was measured using a validated questionnaire, while attitudes were assessed through willingness to disclose a positive result to a partner and willingness to attend regular consultation and treatment if diagnosed with HIV. Data were analyzed using the chi-square test and Fisher exact test. Most respondents agreed that they would disclose a positive HIV result to their partner (88.9%) and attend continuity care if HIV-positive (73.6%). Good knowledge was reported by 44.5% of respondents, sufficient knowledge by 19.4%, and poor knowledge by 36.1%. Knowledge was significantly associated with willingness to disclose a positive HIV result (p = 0.002) but was not significantly associated with willingness to undergo regular consultation and treatment (p = 0.082). Knowledge contributes to disclosure attitudes, yet it does not fully determine readiness for continuity care. Premarital HIV services should integrate accurate education, stigma reduction, partner communication, and post-test linkage support.
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