Comprehensive HIV knowledge, stigma and associated sexual risk behaviors among sexually active adolescent girls and young women in the Philippines

This study aims to investigate how comprehensive HIV knowledge, stigma and sociodemographic factors relate to sexual risk behaviors among sexually active young women in the Philippines. Using the 2022 Philippine National Demographic and Health Survey data, a cross-sectional quantitative approach analyzed 2494 sexually active young women aged 15-24 years. Logistic regression models examined associations, controlling for sociodemographic factors. Sexual risk behaviors included STI symptoms, multiple sexual partners and non-condom use. Findings revealed 26.6% reported sexual risk behaviors. Significant associations were found with secondary or lower educational attainment (AOR = 0.56, 95% CI 0.42-0.76) reducing the odds and daily internet access (AOR = 1.63, 95% CI 1.18-2.23) and recent alcohol consumption (AOR = 1.82, 95% CI 1.30-2.54) increasing the odds of sexual risk behavior. Knowing one's HIV test result was protective (AOR = 0.33, 95% CI 0.21-0.51), while comprehensive HIV/AIDS knowledge and stigma showed no significant associations. Overall, one in four sexually active young women in the Philippines is at risk of HIV infection. Thus, targeted interventions are crucial to address risk factors identified among young women. This study informs public health strategies, emphasizing proactive HIV testing to empower informed decision-making and reduce risky sexual behaviors.