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Tucho GT, Workneh N, Abera M, Abafita J. A cross-sectional study design to assess the sexual experiences and contraceptive use of adolescents and youths attending high school and college in Jimma town. Contracept Reprod Med 2022; 7:7. [PMID: 35642045 PMCID: PMC9158206 DOI: 10.1186/s40834-022-00174-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2020] [Accepted: 05/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Adolescents and youths in Ethiopia have limited access to reproductive health services designed to address their needs. Therefore, the study aims to assess adolescents' and youth's sexual practice, contraceptive use, and behavioral patterns towards safe sexual exercise. METHODS A quantitative cross-sectional study design was used on 374 students selected from high school and vocational colleges to assess their sexual experience and contraceptive use and related perceptions using pre-tested self-administered semi-structured questionnaires. We used descriptive analyses to report their sexual and reproductive health status and logistic regression to examine the association between contraceptive use and other variables. RESULTS The results show that 52.7% of the respondents (students) migrated or moved from rural to urban to continue their high school and college education at urban. 41.7% of the respondents were with less than 18 years, of which 75.9% of them already initiated sexual intercourse. Of all the students who started sexual intercourse (51.1%), only 30.9% used contraceptives, but condom use accounts for 49.2%. Overall, 84.8% of those who practiced sexual intercourse were at risk of acquiring sexually transmitted diseases due to not using a condom. About 3% of the respondents reported unwanted pregnancy experiences, of which 64% of these pregnancies were reported to be aborted. CONCLUSION Adolescents and youths attending high schools and College are at increased risk of acquiring HIV and unwanted pregnancy due to low levels of contraceptive use. Specifically, a designed youths-friendly reproductive health service is needed to avert related problems and contribute to sustainable development goals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gudina Terefe Tucho
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences and Technology, Institute of Health, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia.
| | - Netsanet Workneh
- Department of Pediatrics, Institute of Health, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia
| | - Mubarek Abera
- Department of Psychiatry, Institute of Health, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia
| | - Jemal Abafita
- Department of Economics, College of Business and Economics, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia
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A study of awareness on HIV/AIDS among adolescents: A Longitudinal Study on UDAYA data. Sci Rep 2021; 11:22841. [PMID: 34819531 PMCID: PMC8613229 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-02090-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2021] [Accepted: 09/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome caused by Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) poses a severe challenge to healthcare and is a significant public health issue worldwide. This study intends to examine the change in the awareness level of HIV among adolescents. Furthermore, this study examined the factors associated with the change in awareness level on HIV-related information among adolescents over the period. Data used for this study were drawn from Understanding the lives of adolescents and young adults, a longitudinal survey on adolescents aged 10–19 in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh. The present study utilized a sample of 4421 and 7587 unmarried adolescent boys and girls, respectively aged 10–19 years in wave-1 and wave-2. Descriptive analysis and t-test and proportion test were done to observe changes in certain selected variables from wave-1 (2015–2016) to wave-2 (2018–2019). Moreover, random effect regression analysis was used to estimate the association of change in HIV awareness among unmarried adolescents with household and individual factors. The percentage of adolescent boys who had awareness regarding HIV increased from 38.6% in wave-1 to 59.9% in wave-2. Among adolescent girls, the percentage increased from 30.2 to 39.1% between wave-1 & wave-2. With the increase in age and years of schooling, the HIV awareness increased among adolescent boys ([Coef: 0.05; p < 0.01] and [Coef: 0.04; p < 0.01]) and girls ([Coef: 0.03; p < 0.01] and [Coef: 0.04; p < 0.01]), respectively. The adolescent boys [Coef: 0.06; p < 0.05] and girls [Coef: 0.03; p < 0.05] who had any mass media exposure were more likely to have an awareness of HIV. Adolescent boys' paid work status was inversely associated with HIV awareness [Coef: − 0.01; p < 0.10]. Use of internet among adolescent boys [Coef: 0.18; p < 0.01] and girls [Coef: 0.14; p < 0.01] was positively associated with HIV awareness with reference to their counterparts. There is a need to intensify efforts in ensuring that information regarding HIV should reach vulnerable sub-groups, as outlined in this study. It is important to mobilize the available resources to target the less educated and poor adolescents, focusing on rural adolescents.
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Zerihun T, Sorsdahl K, Hanlon C. Family planning for women with severe mental illness in rural Ethiopia: a qualitative study. Reprod Health 2021; 18:191. [PMID: 34583725 PMCID: PMC8480012 DOI: 10.1186/s12978-021-01245-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2020] [Accepted: 09/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Family planning is a crucial issue for all women of reproductive age, but in women with severe mental illness (SMI), there may be particular challenges and concerns. As primary care-based mental health services are expanding in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), there is an opportunity to improve family planning services for women with SMI. However, research exploring unmet family planning needs of women with SMI in such settings is scarce. Therefore, the present study explored the family planning experiences and preferences of women with SMI who reside in a predominantly rural area of Ethiopia. METHODS A qualitative study was conducted. Women with SMI who were participating in the ongoing population-based cohort study in Butajira were selected purposively based on their responses to a quantitative survey of current family planning utilisation. In-depth interviews were conducted with 16 women with SMI who were of reproductive age. Audio files were transcribed in Amharic, translated into English and analysed thematically. RESULTS Participants reported pervasive effects of SMI upon the intimate relationships and sexual lives of women. Although women with SMI felt that family planning was important, they had limited knowledge of family planning generally, and a lack of understanding of the specific family planning needs relevant to having SMI. None of the women with SMI in the present study had received any recommendations to use family planning services while accessing mental health care services. The participants identified ways in which primary care-based mental health services could better meet their family planning needs. CONCLUSIONS This study provided in-depth perspectives from women with SMI about the broader context of their family planning experience, needs, barriers and how integrated primary care services could better meet their needs. Empowerment of women with SMI to access information and services needs to be an important focus of future efforts to improve the reproductive experiences of this vulnerable group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tigist Zerihun
- Alan J. Flisher Centre for Public Mental Health, Department of Psychiatry & Mental Health, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Department of Psychiatry, St Paul’s Hospital Millennium Medical College, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Katherine Sorsdahl
- Alan J. Flisher Centre for Public Mental Health, Department of Psychiatry & Mental Health, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Charlotte Hanlon
- Centre for Global Mental Health, Health Service and Population Research Department, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, UK
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
- Centre for Innovative Drug Development and Therapeutic Trials for Africa (CDT-Africa), College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
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Abate BB, Kassie AM, Reta MA, Ice GH, Haile ZT. Residence and young women's comprehensive HIV knowledge in Ethiopia. BMC Public Health 2020; 20:1603. [PMID: 33097014 PMCID: PMC7585223 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-020-09687-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2019] [Accepted: 10/13/2020] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection is a global health problem. The epidemic is very serious in sub-Saharan Africa with approximately 70% of the global cases. The disease particularly affects youth, accounting for half of the new HIV infections yearly. Inadequate knowledge may contribute to the high rates among youth. Hence, the main aim of this study was to examine the association between residence and comprehensive HIV knowledge among women aged 15-24 years in Ethiopia. METHODS This cross-sectional study used nationally representative data from the 2016 Ethiopian demographic health survey (n = 5926). Chi-square tests and multivariable logistic regression modeling were performed. RESULTS Approximately 23.9% of the study participants had a comprehensive HIV knowledge and 74.7% were rural residents. In the multivariable-adjusted model, we found a significant interaction between place of residence and HIV testing on comprehensive HIV knowledge (P for interaction = 0.005). In the subgroup analysis, a statistically significant associations between place of residence and comprehensive HIV knowledge was found only in women who have never been tested for HIV. In this subgroup, rural women had lower odds of having a comprehensive HIV knowledge compared to their urban counterparts (OR 0.42, 95% CI: 0.23-0.74; P = 0.003). Furthermore, in the subgroup of women who have never been tested for HIV, education and region were significantly associated with comprehensive HIV knowledge. Compared to women with no education, the odds of having a comprehensive HIV knowledge were higher in women who had primary (OR 2.86, 95% CI: 1.63-5.02; P < 0.001) and secondary or above education (OR 5.49, 95% CI: 2.92-10.32; P < 0.001), respectively. The odds of having a comprehensive HIV knowledge were lower in women from the Somali region compared to women from Addis Ababa region (OR 0.41, 95% CI: 0.18-0.90; P = 0.027). CONCLUSIONS Rural residence was negatively associated with comprehensive HIV knowledge only in women who have never been tested for HIV. These findings suggest that the development and implementation HIV education and awareness programs should target rural areas, especially where there is limited access to HIV testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Biruk Beletew Abate
- Department of Nursing, College of Health Sciences Woldia University, P.O.Box 400, Woldia, Ethiopia
| | - Ayelign Mengesha Kassie
- Department of Nursing, College of Health Sciences Woldia University, P.O.Box 400, Woldia, Ethiopia
| | - Melese Abate Reta
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science, College of Health Sciences, Woldia University, Woldia, Ethiopia
| | - Gillian H. Ice
- Department of Social Medicine, Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine, Athens, OH USA
| | - Zelalem T. Haile
- Department of Social Medicine, Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine, Dublin, OH USA
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Tesfaye G, Dessie Y, Berhane Y, Assefa N, Semahegn A, Canavan CR, Fawzi WW. HIV/AIDS awareness and testing practices among adolescents in eastern Ethiopia. Trop Med Int Health 2019; 25:111-118. [PMID: 31698525 DOI: 10.1111/tmi.13337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine HIV/AIDS awareness, HIV testing practices and associated factors among adolescents in two eastern Ethiopian communities. METHODS Community-based, cross-sectional study among 2010 adolescents aged 10-19 years. Participants were asked about their awareness of HIV/AIDS and HIV testing practices, and whether they had ever been tested for HIV. Regression models were applied to identify the factors of statistical significance at P-value < 0.05. RESULTS Of 90% were aware of HIV/AIDS, but only a quarter had ever been tested for HIV. Rural adolescents were less aware of HIV than urban adolescents (AOR = 0.16; 95% CI: 0.05, 0.58), and in-school adolescents had more knowledge about HIV/AIDS than that out-of-school adolescents (AOR = 2.79; 95% CI: 1.88, 4.15). Factors associated with lower uptake of HIV testing were male sex (AOR = 0.74; 95% CI; 0.58, 0.91) and being from a rural area (AOR = 0.16; 95% CI: 0.07, 0.36). Factors associated with higher uptake of HIV testing were being in school (AOR = 1.66; 95% CI: 1.16, 2.38), using the Internet (AOR = 1.52; 95% CI: 1.01, 2.28), and ever visiting a health facility (AOR = 1.54; 95% CI: 1.21, 1.96). CONCLUSIONS Awareness of HIV/AIDS was high, whereas HIV testing was rare. HIV awareness programs for adolescents should target rural and out-of-school adolescents. Programmes to increase HIV testing implemented in these and similar communities should focus on male and rural adolescents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gezahegn Tesfaye
- College of Health and Medical Sciences, Haramaya University, Harar, Ethiopia
| | - Yadeta Dessie
- College of Health and Medical Sciences, Haramaya University, Harar, Ethiopia
| | - Yemane Berhane
- Department of Epidemiology, Addis Continental Institute of Public Health, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Nega Assefa
- College of Health and Medical Sciences, Haramaya University, Harar, Ethiopia
| | - Agumasie Semahegn
- College of Health and Medical Sciences, Haramaya University, Harar, Ethiopia.,Department of Population, Family and Reproductive Health, School of Public Health, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Chelsey R Canavan
- Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Wafaie W Fawzi
- Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
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'Ring' your future, without changing diaper - Can preventing teenage pregnancy address child marriage in Zambia? PLoS One 2018; 13:e0205523. [PMID: 30346966 PMCID: PMC6197635 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0205523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2018] [Accepted: 09/25/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Teenage pregnancy and child marriage are prevalent in Zambia and are complexly interrelated issues with common causes and effects. The aim of this study was to explore factors in the social and cultural environment shaping young people's sexual behaviour, with specific attention to teenage pregnancy and child marriage in Eastern Zambia. The study was conducted in selected wards in Petauke, Chadiza and Katete districts, using an exploratory mixed-method design including a household survey, focus group discussions and in-depth interviews. The participants included 1,434 young females and males aged 15 to 24, female and male parents and caregivers; grandmothers; traditional leaders; teachers; health and social workers; representatives from youth associations, community-based and non-governmental organizations; and district level policy makers. Qualitative data were analysed using thematic content analysis and NVivo was used to manage the data, while survey data were analysed using Stata. The study revealed a high prevalence rate of teenage pregnancy (48%) and child marriage (13%) among young women. The mean age at first pregnancy or fatherhood was lower among female (17) than male respondents (20). A clear interlinkage between teenage pregnancy and child marriage was found, the two issues were mutually reinforcing. While teenage pregnancy appeared both as a cause and consequence of child marriage, marriage was mostly a common response to pregnancy. Early sexual debut, limited knowledge and use of contraception, poverty and limited future perspectives as well as sexual and gender norms were identified as the main causative factors of teenage pregnancy and therefore, child marriage. Based on the findings, a conceptual model to explain the interrelationships between young people's sexual behaviour, teenage pregnancy and child marriage is discussed. To address teenage pregnancy and child marriage in Eastern Zambia, there is a need to look into the realities and needs of young people regarding sex and relationships.
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Predictors of HIV Testing among Youth in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Cross-Sectional Study. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0164052. [PMID: 27706252 PMCID: PMC5051677 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0164052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2016] [Accepted: 09/19/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction In spite of a high prevalence of HIV infection among adolescents and young adults in sub-Saharan Africa, uptake of HIV testing and counseling among youth in the region remains sub-optimal. The objective of this study was to assess factors that influence uptake of HIV testing and counseling among youth aged 15–24 years in sub-Saharan Africa. Methods This study used the Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) data from countries that represent four geographic regions of sub-Saharan Africa: Congo (Brazzaville), representing central Africa (DHS 2011–2012); Mozambique, representing southern Africa (DHS 2011); Nigeria, representing western Africa (DHS 2013); and Uganda, representing eastern Africa (DHS 2011). Analyses were restricted to 23,367 male and female respondents aged 15–24 years with complete data on the variables of interest. Chi-square tests and logistic regression models were used to assess predictors of HIV testing. Statistical significance was set at p< 0.01. Results The analysis revealed that a majority of the respondents were female (78.1%) and aged 20-24-years (60.7%). Only a limited proportion of respondents (36.5%) had ever tested for HIV and even fewer (25.7%) demonstrated comprehensive knowledge of HIV/AIDS. There was a significant association between HIV testing and respondents’ gender, age, age at sexual debut, and comprehensive knowledge of HIV in the pooled sample. Older youth (adjusted OR (aOR) = 2.19; 99% CI = 1.99–2.40) and those with comprehensive knowledge of HIV (aOR = 1.98; 1.76–2.22) had significantly higher odds of ever being tested for HIV than younger respondents and those with limited HIV/AIDS knowledge respectively. Furthermore, men had lower odds of HIV testing than women (aOR = 0.32; 0.28–0.37). Conclusions Reaching youth in sub-Saharan Africa for HIV testing continues to be a challenge. Public health programs that seek to increase HIV counseling and testing among youth should pay particular attention to efforts that target high-risk subpopulations of youth. The results further suggest that these initiatives would be strengthened by including strategies to increase HIV comprehensive knowledge.
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Atuyambe LM, Kibira SPS, Bukenya J, Muhumuza C, Apolot RR, Mulogo E. Understanding sexual and reproductive health needs of adolescents: evidence from a formative evaluation in Wakiso district, Uganda. Reprod Health 2015; 12:35. [PMID: 25896066 PMCID: PMC4416389 DOI: 10.1186/s12978-015-0026-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2014] [Accepted: 04/13/2015] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Adolescents are frequently reluctant to seek sexual and reproductive health services (SRH). In Uganda, adolescent health and development is constrained by translation of the relevant policies to practice. Recent studies done in central Uganda have shown that there is need for a critical assessment of adolescent friendly services (AFS) to gain insights on current practice and inform future interventions. This study aimed to assess the sexual reproductive health needs of the adolescents and explored their attitudes towards current services available. METHODS A qualitative study was conducted in Wakiso district, central Uganda in September 2013.Twenty focus group discussions (FGDs) stratified by gender (10 out-of-school, and 10 in-school), were purposefully sampled. We used trained research assistants (moderator and note taker) who used a pretested FGD guide translated into the local language to collect data. All discussions were audio taped, and were transcribed verbatim before analysis. Thematic areas on; adolescent health problems, adolescent SRH needs, health seeking behaviour and attitudes towards services, and preferred services were explored. Data was analysed using atlas ti version 7 software. RESULTS Our results clearly show that adolescents have real SRH issues that need to be addressed. In and out-of-school adolescents had sexuality problems such as unwanted pregnancies, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), defilement, rape, substance abuse. Unique to the females was the issue of sexual advances by older men and adolescents. We further highlight RH needs which would be solved by establishing adolescent friendly clinics with standard recommended characteristics (sexuality information, friendly health providers, a range of good clinical services such as post abortion care etc.). With regard to health seeking behaviour, most adolescents do not take any action at first until disease severity increase. CONCLUSIONS Adolescents in Uganda have multiple sexual and reproductive health needs that require special focus through adolescent friendly services. This calls for resource support in terms of health provider training, information education and communication materials as well as involvement of key stakeholders that include parents, teachers and legislators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lynn M Atuyambe
- Department of Community Health and Behavioural Sciences, Makerere University School of Public Health, P.O.Box 7072, Kampala, Uganda.
| | - Simon P S Kibira
- Department of Community Health and Behavioural Sciences, Makerere University School of Public Health, P.O.Box 7072, Kampala, Uganda.
| | - Justine Bukenya
- Department of Community Health and Behavioural Sciences, Makerere University School of Public Health, P.O.Box 7072, Kampala, Uganda.
| | - Christine Muhumuza
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Makerere University School of Public Health, Kampala, Uganda.
| | - Rebecca R Apolot
- Department of Community Health and Behavioural Sciences, Makerere University School of Public Health, P.O.Box 7072, Kampala, Uganda.
| | - Edgar Mulogo
- Department of Community Health, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Kampala, Uganda.
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Bogale GW, Boer H, Seydel ER. HIV-prevention knowledge among illiterate and low-literate women in rural Amhara, Ethiopia. AJAR-AFRICAN JOURNAL OF AIDS RESEARCH 2015; 8:349-57. [PMID: 25864549 DOI: 10.2989/ajar.2009.8.3.11.932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
More than 85% of Ethiopia's population lives in rural areas and literacy levels in the country are relatively low. Despite this, little is known about levels of knowledge in regard to HIV/AIDS and condom use among illiterate and low-literate rural individuals. We conducted a cross-sectional study among 200 illiterate to semi-literate women, ages 13 to 24, from two rural communities in the Amhara region of northwestern Ethiopia. Nearly all the women had heard about HIV and AIDS. Among the illiterate individuals (n = 54), 24% did not know that HIV was the cause of AIDS and 48% did not know that HIV could be transmitted by sexual intercourse without a condom with an HIV-infected person. Among the same group, 59% did not know what a condom is. Literacy had a strong positive association with knowledge of HIV transmission and condoms. Thus, due to a generally higher level of literacy (grade 5-8 attainment), very young women (ages 13-20) had better knowledge of HIV transmission and condoms than did women ages 21-24 who by comparison were less literate. Given poor knowledge of HIV transmission and condoms among illiterate and low-literate women in Amhara, targeted HIV-prevention interventions are needed in this region.
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Audet CM, Sidat M, Blevins M, Moon TD, Vergara A, Vermund SH. HIV knowledge and health-seeking behavior in Zambézia Province, Mozambique. SAHARA J 2013; 9:41-6. [PMID: 23237020 DOI: 10.1080/17290376.2012.665257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022] Open
Abstract
HIV prevalence rates in Zambézia Province were estimated to be 12.6% in 2009. A number of educational campaigns have been aimed at improving HIV transmission and prevention knowledge among community members in an effort to reduce infection rates. These campaigns have also encouraged people to seek health care at clinical sites, instead of employing traditional healers to cure serious illness. The impact of these programs on the rural population has not been well documented. To assess the level of knowledge about HIV transmission and prevention and health-seeking behavior, we interviewed 349 people in 2009 using free response and multiple choice questionnaires. Over half reported first seeking treatment at a government health clinic; however, the majority of participants had visited a traditional healer in the past. Knowledge regarding prevention and transmission of HIV was primarily limited to the sexual origins of infection and the protective advantages of condom use. Increased educational level and having learned about HIV from a community health worker were associated with higher HIV prevention and transmission knowledge. Traditional healers and community health-care workers were both conduits of health information to our study participants. HIV education and use of clinical services may be facilitated by partnering more closely with these groups.
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Oljira L, Berhane Y, Worku A. Assessment of comprehensive HIV/AIDS knowledge level among in-school adolescents in eastern Ethiopia. J Int AIDS Soc 2013; 16:17349. [PMID: 23517715 PMCID: PMC3605405 DOI: 10.7448/ias.16.1.17349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2012] [Accepted: 01/30/2013] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION In Ethiopia, more adolescents are in school today than ever before; however, there are no studies that have assessed their comprehensive knowledge of HIV/AIDS. Thus, this study tried to assess the level of this knowledge and the factors associated with it among in-school adolescents in eastern Ethiopia. METHODS A cross-sectional school-based study was conducted using a facilitator-guided self-administered questionnaire. The respondents were students attending regular school in 14 high schools located in 14 different districts in eastern Ethiopia. The proportion of in-school adolescents with comprehensive HIV/AIDS knowledge was computed and compared by sex. The factors that were associated with the comprehensive HIV/AIDS knowledge were assessed using bivariate and multivariable logistic regression. RESULTS Only about one in four, 677 (24.5%), in-school adolescents have comprehensive HIV/AIDS knowledge. The knowledge was better among in-school adolescents from families with a relatively middle or high wealth index (adjusted OR [95% CI]=1.39 [1.03-1.87] and 1.75 [1.24-2.48], respectively), who got HIV/AIDS information mainly from friends or mass media (adjusted OR [95% CI]=1.63 [1.17-2.27] and 1.55 [1.14-2.11], respectively) and who received education on HIV/AIDS and sexual matters at school (adjusted OR [95% CI]=1.59 [1.22-2.08]). The females were less likely to have comprehensive HIV/AIDS knowledge compared to males (adjusted OR and [95% CI]=0.60 [0.49-0.75]). CONCLUSIONS In general, only about a quarter of in-school adolescents had comprehensive HIV/AIDS knowledge. Although the female adolescents are highly vulnerable to HIV infection and its effects, they were by far less likely to have comprehensive HIV/AIDS knowledge. HIV/AIDS information, education and communication activities need to be intensified in high schools.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lemessa Oljira
- College of Health Sciences, Department of Public Health, Haramaya University, Harar, Ethiopia.
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Mushoriwa T. Sexual Activity Among Rural High School Students in Zimbabwe: Results and Implications for HIV Prevention. JOURNAL OF PSYCHOLOGY IN AFRICA 2013. [DOI: 10.1080/14330237.2013.10820660] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
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Niikondo H, Hoque M, Ntuli-Ngcobo B. Knowledge regarding HIV/AIDS among home-based caregivers in Namibia. J Public Health Afr 2011; 2:e6. [PMID: 28299048 PMCID: PMC5345481 DOI: 10.4081/jphia.2011.e6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2010] [Accepted: 01/20/2011] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Lack of practical knowledge among home-based caregivers on human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immune deficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS), anti-retroviral therapy (ART) and poor individual adherence to treatment are among the root causes of ineffective ART service delivery in Namibia. The purpose of our study was to investigate the knowledge among home-based caregivers in Namibia regarding HIV/AIDS. The study was a descriptive, cross-sectional one in which 89 participants completed a self-administered questionnaire to assess their knowledge of HIV/AIDS. Almost all (93%) of the respondents gave a correct definition of HIV. Over a tenth (11.3%) did not know that HIV decreases the body's ability to fight disease and 33.7% could not define AIDS. Almost all (98%) the home-based caregivers knew that HIV can be diagnosed only through a blood test and 91% mentioned that consistent and correct use of condoms during sexual intercourse protects one from HIV infection. Fewer than half (44%) of the respondents could indicate on-and-off fever as a symptom of AIDS and 16% mentioned that increased body weight is a sign of AIDS, which is incorrect. Although the knowledge of the caregivers on HIV/AIDS was above average in some aspects, there was still lack of knowledge on isolated issues such as AIDS definitions and signs and how HIV works. Training organisations in home-based care settings should emphasise the knowledge of AIDS definition and signs as well as of post-test counselling, consequence of poor adherence and facilities that issue anti-retroviral treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hileni Niikondo
- School of Nursing and Public Health, University of Namibia (Northern Campus), Namibia
| | - Muhammad Hoque
- School of Health Care Sciences, University of Limpopo (Medunsa Campus), South Africa
| | - Busi Ntuli-Ngcobo
- School of Health Care Sciences, University of Limpopo (Medunsa Campus), South Africa
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Bogale G, Boer H, Seydel E. Condom use among low-literate, rural females in Ethiopia: the role of vulnerability to HIV infection, condom attitude, and self-efficacy. AIDS Care 2010; 22:851-7. [DOI: 10.1080/09540120903483026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- G.W. Bogale
- a Educational Media Agency , Addis Ababa , Ethiopia
- b Department of Psychology and Communication on Health and Risk , University of Twente , P.O. Box 217, 7500 , AE , Enschede , The Netherlands
| | - H. Boer
- b Department of Psychology and Communication on Health and Risk , University of Twente , P.O. Box 217, 7500 , AE , Enschede , The Netherlands
| | - E.R. Seydel
- b Department of Psychology and Communication on Health and Risk , University of Twente , P.O. Box 217, 7500 , AE , Enschede , The Netherlands
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Mitha K, Yirsalign M, Cherner M, McCutchan A, Langford TD. Risk perception and beliefs regarding HIV infection among Ethiopian immigrants. AIDS EDUCATION AND PREVENTION : OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY FOR AIDS EDUCATION 2009; 21:484-494. [PMID: 19842831 PMCID: PMC5500245 DOI: 10.1521/aeap.2009.21.5.484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
In Ethiopia, approximately 7.5% of the urban population is HIV-positive, and countrywide 1.5 million people are living with HIV. Between 1990 and 2000, immigration into the United States by African-born immigrants increased by 130%. Of this immigrant population, individuals from Ethiopia make up a significant portion. Although there is a rich literature addressing the beliefs regarding HIV and risk perception among some immigrant populations in the United States, few studies target Ethiopian-born residents. Thus, a survey-based study addressing demographics, acculturation, awareness, beliefs and risk perception, attitudes toward susceptibility for infection, and risk behaviors targeted Ethiopian-born residents of San Diego, California. Results indicate a separation between understanding of HIV transmission and personal risk perception for infection in a young, highly educated, predominantly male participant pool. As an initial study of HIV beliefs and risk perception in the immigrant Ethiopian population, our results provide information on specific areas warranting further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kiran Mitha
- Ronald Regan Medical Center, University of California-Los Angeles, USA
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Gebreeyesus Hadera H, Boer H, Kuiper WAJM. Using the theory of planned behaviour to understand the motivation to learn about HIV/AIDS prevention among adolescents in Tigray, Ethiopia. AIDS Care 2008; 19:895-900. [PMID: 17712693 DOI: 10.1080/09540120701203311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Various studies indicate that school- or university-based HIV prevention curricula can reduce the prevalence of sexual risk behaviour among adolescent youth in Sub-Saharan Africa. However, effective HIV/AIDS prevention education may be problematic, if the needs of youth are not served adequately. To date, little attention has been given to the motivation of youth to learn about HIV/AIDS and about their preferences for HIV/AIDS curriculum design options. The aim of this study was to get insight into the determinants of the motivation of youth to learn about HIV/AIDS prevention and to assess their curriculum design preferences. Students from a university in Tigray, Ethiopia, filled out a structured questionnaire, which assessed demographics, variables that according to the Theory of Planned Behaviour are related to the motivation to learn, and their preferences for independent, carrier and integrated HIV/AIDS curriculum designs. On average, participants were highly motivated to learn about HIV/AIDS. Motivation to learn was primarily related to social norms and was not related to self-efficacy to discuss HIV/AIDS in class. The often discussed reluctance to discuss sexuality and condom use in curricula in Sub-Saharan Africa, seems to be more related to existing negative social norms, than to lack of self-efficacy. Participants revealed a high preference for the independent, carrier and integrated curriculum design options. However, students with a higher motivation to learn about HIV/AIDS were more attracted to the independent course design.
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Melo J, Folgosa E, Manjate D, Osman N, Francois I, Temmerman M, Cappuccinelli P, Colombo MM. Low prevalence of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections in young women attending a youth counselling service in Maputo, Mozambique. Trop Med Int Health 2008; 13:17-20. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-3156.2007.01972.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Abstract
Since the emergence of the AIDS pandemic in sub-Saharan Africa, male mobility has been highlighted as one of the reasons for the spread of the disease with men employing the services of commercial sex workers while away from home. However, sex workers' mobility and the implications of this for their access to prevention services, has largely been ignored. This paper, based on multi-method qualitative research with 60 young sex workers in two Ethiopian towns, reveals that sex workers are highly mobile, moving in order to attract a wider or different client base, for adventure and to conceal illnesses which might be associated with AIDS. In addition, sex workers are affected by restrictions on their movements, with girls working in bars and red-light areas having little free time to access projects. This paper advocates that policy approaches need to take account of this mobility in three ways: first, by exploring ways for girls to access information and maintain contact with support structures while moving between places of work; second, by building the capacity of sex workers to take greater control over decision-making in their day-to-day lives and third, by developing outreach strategies for taking services into bars and red-light areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Van Blerk
- Department of Geography, University of Reading, Reading, UK.
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Abstract
AIM This paper reports an exploration of Nepalese adolescents' knowledge, attitudes and beliefs of HIV/AIDS. BACKGROUND Nepal is confronted with an increasing incidence of HIV/AIDS among adolescents and young adults. A priority of nurses and other health professionals in Nepal is the prevention of the spread of HIV infection. The first step in prevention is assessing the HIV/AIDS knowledge, attitudes and beliefs of adolescents. METHODS A cross-sectional correlational design was carried out in 2003 in a private school in Kathmandu, Nepal. A total of 150 adolescents participated in the study. Two instruments were used: a demographic questionnaire and the Youth Survey, which included questions on knowledge, attitudes and beliefs. FINDINGS The majority of the adolescents had a moderate level of overall HIV/AIDS knowledge, but lacked knowledge in the areas of mode of transmission and prevention of HIV/AIDS. Approximately 79% thought that AIDS was a big problem and 67% were afraid of getting AIDS. However, only 16.7% reported that they were likely to get AIDS, and 18.7% did not perceive living in Kathmandu as a risk for HIV/AIDS. CONCLUSION The findings of this study will help policymakers and healthcare professionals develop a culturally sensitive and needs specific educational programme for urban Nepalese adolescents. The findings may also have lessons for public health and school nurses working in similar contexts. Nurses, and more specifically public health nurses in Nepal, need to play an active role in the development and implementation of educational programs on HIV/AIDS. Research needs to be done in rural as well as urban areas of Nepal on adolescents' HIV/AIDS knowledge, attitudes and beliefs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ganga Mahat
- College of Nursing, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, New Jersey 07102, USA.
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Yoo H, Lee SH, Kwon BE, Chung S, Kim S. HIV/AIDS knowledge, attitudes, related behaviors, and sources of information among Korean adolescents. THE JOURNAL OF SCHOOL HEALTH 2005; 75:393-9. [PMID: 16313510 DOI: 10.1111/j.1746-1561.2005.00054.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
To examine HIV/AIDS knowledge, attitudes, related behaviors, and sources of HIV/AIDS information among high school-aged students in South Korea. One thousand and seventy-seven students (586 females and 491 males) from 5 high schools from 5 representative school districts participated in the survey. A self-administered questionnaire measuring knowledge (19 true-false items), attitudes (4 items, 5-point Likert-type scale), sources of information (6 items, yes/no), and sexual behaviors (8 items, yes/no) was utilized. The level of HIV/AIDS knowledge among Korean adolescents was moderate, with the mean scores of 13.93 out of 19 for males and 13.35 for females (p < .01). Attitudes toward persons with HIV/AIDS were negative, with the mean scores of 3.06 for males and 3.09 for females. Of 42 respondents (4.4%) who had engaged in sexual intercourse, 18 (40%) had used condoms. Almost half of the total respondents reported they were not concerned about HIV/AIDS (46.0%), and 94.4% indicated the need for receiving HIV prevention education in the future. The respondents identified TV (52.5%) and school classes (32.1%) as the two major sources of information on HIV/AIDS. Only a few pointed to their parents (1.3%) as a source of information. This preliminary study summarizes the current status of prevention education on HIV/AIDS available in Korea and can provide implications for developing more differentiated intervention strategies specific to culture, age, and gender.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyera Yoo
- Department of Nursing Science, School of Medicine, Ajou University Medical Center, Suwon, Korea.
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