OBJECTIVES: Economic theories of disease prevalence postulate that individual’s response to disease is associated with disease prevalence information within the defined catchment area. This study examined the association between HIV prevalence information and individual behavioural response-condom use among men in Uganda. Controlled for other covariates that may influence individual protective behaviours.

METHODS: The Susceptible-Infectious “SI” model formed the theoretical foundation for this study. Recent data from the 2016 Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) in Uganda was used to establish the outcome and independent variables of interest. A multiple Logistic regression analysis was applied on the estimation equation, regression diagnostic checks for; multicollinearity, model specification and model selection were performed. Number of men tested for HIV was a proxy for HIV prevalence information and a key explanatory variable controlling for; age, education, residence, wealth index. Odds ratios and marginal effects were obtained.

RESULTS: The study included 5,336 eligible men with; majority (69%) below 35years, median age; 28years, 74% tested for HIV, 38% married, 88% had knowledge on condom, 20% used a condom. Odds ratio for HIV prevalence information (1.620), Education years (1.089), age groups; 25-34 (0.682), 35-44 (0.621) and knowledge of condom (1.609) were statistically significant with (P<0.01). Men in higher wealth index; middle (0.684) and richer (0.698) had higher odds of using condom during risky sex with a 5% significance level (P<0.05). Marginal effects for HIV prevalence information (0.0607), Education (0.0108) and age; 15-24 (0.0574) on condom use were significant. The probability of using condom during risky sex increases among men with more; HIV prevalence information, education years and being in a lower age group.

CONCLUSIONS: The study provides empirical evidence from a low-income setting to understand the association between disease prevalence information and individual behavioural response. More efforts towards improving HIV information and awareness may reduce incidence and prevalence.