Abstract
BACKGROUND: Misconceptions about HIV transmission, such as the belief that it spreads through sharing food, pose a challenge to public health education in Jordan. This study examines the demographic, socioeconomic, and media-related factors shaping these misconceptions among young Jordanian men. METHODS: Using data from the 2023 Jordanian Demographic and Health Survey (JDHS), we conducted a univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis to identify socioeconomic predictors of misconceptions about HIV transmission through food. The study utilized a nationally representative sample of 1,500 young Jordanian men aged 15-24 years. Participants were asked, "Can you get HIV by sharing food with a person who has AIDS?" Responses were categorized as "yes," "no," or "do not know." Men with missing data or "do not know" responses were excluded. Data were weighted according to DHS guidelines to ensure national representativeness. RESULTS: We included 1500 young Jordanian men, of which 445 (29.7%) thought that they could get HIV through sharing food with HIV patients. Our findings indicate that men with secondary education (AOR = 0.167, 95% CI: 0.061-0.457, p = 0.001) and higher education (AOR = 0.118, 95% CI: 0.039-0.355, p < 0.001) had significantly lower odds of holding misconceptions about HIV transmission. Media consumption patterns also influenced misconceptions. Frequent television viewing (AOR = 0.446, 95% CI: 0.276-0.720, p = 0.001) and internet usage (AOR = 0.493, 95% CI: 0.268-0.907, p = 0.023) were associated with reduced odds of misconceptions. In contrast, reading newspapers or magazines at least once a week (AOR = 2.820, 95% CI: 1.142-6.961, p = 0.025) and listening to the radio less than once a week (AOR = 1.770, 95% CI: 1.072-2.922, p = 0.026) were linked to higher odds of misconceptions. Additionally, men employed in household and domestic work exhibited a significantly increased likelihood of misconceptions (AOR = 57.975, 95% CI: 4.900-685.979, p = 0.001). CONCLUSION: This study underscores the need for targeted education and media strategies to address HIV misconceptions in Jordan, particularly among rural residents and those with lower education. Using accessible media like TV and improving health content on television can help dispel myths, reduce stigma, and foster a more informed society.