KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE ON HIV-AIDS AND PRACTICE OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR AMONG HIGH RISK BEHAVIOR GROUP IN SAPTARI AND JHAPA, NEPAL
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Date
2017
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Department of Public Health Shalom Institute of Health and Allied Sciences, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology & Sciences, Allahabad – 211007, (U.P.) India
Abstract
Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) remains a public health problem of
major significance in most parts of the world. The first HIV infection was detected in 1988 in Nepal. Since then HIV and AIDS epidemic has evolved from low to
concentrated among “High risk groups” i.e. Injecting Drug Users (IDUs), Female Sex Workers (FSWs), Men having Sex with Men (MSM) and Seasonal labor Migrants.
The objective of this study was to find out socio-demographic characteristics,
knowledge, attitude on HIV-AIDS among the respondents and assess the types of
behavior that places them at risk of contracting HIV-AIDS in Saptari and Jhapa
district of Nepal. This was the cross sectional descriptive study carried out among 457
high risk behavior groups (FSWs, MSMs, IDUs and clients of FSWs) who come for treatment at VCT centre of both district. Multi stage sampling was adopted and data were collected using a pre-tested interview schedule.
The study reported that (65.21 %) of respondents were comes under urban settlement and (61.49 %) were in 20-30 year age group. The majority of the respondents (70.24
%) were drinking alcohol, (51.20 %) having addiction, (31.29 %) having intoxicating, only (22.98 %) respondents injecting drug without doctor’s prescription and (52.95 %) had RTI problems. The overall level of knowledge regarding HIVAIDS was (42.89 %) medium level, followed by (34.35 %) high level and (22.76 %) low level. Majority of respondents (67.61 %) were partially aware about major mode of transmission.
The overall level of attitude towards HIV-AIDS was (45.08 %) medium level,
followed by (41.79 %) high level and (13.13 %) low level. Respondents had positive attitude towards seeking of treatment, if get infected HIV-AIDS. Respondents had
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negative attitude towards disclosure of HIV-AIDS, if get infected. High probability of
contracting HIV-AIDS were reported among the respondents, who had having
intoxicating drugs (82.52%) and who had using alcohol during sexual activity (75.00
%).
Practice of addiction, injecting drugs without doctor’s prescription, use of alcohol during sexual activity, negligence to use condom, high frequency of sex with partner per day, early age at first sex, and use of intoxicating drugs were found the major types of behavior that places the respondents at risk of contracting HIV-AIDS.
Majority of respondents had encountered the problems of negative response and attitude of family, teacher & society, difficulty in associating with family, stigmatized for being members of a socially marginalized group, depression/committing suicide,
discrimination in daily lives, insult/humiliation, hopelessness and RTI/STIs. Majority of the respondents suggested increasing access and utilization of STI services in the upcoming days, providing education and promoting safer sexual practices,
empowerment on rights to live a life free from any kind of violence and sexual exploitation.
Based on the results of the study and experiences, it seems to conduct different activities as increase the awareness of HIV-AIDS to make high risk behavior groups
aware from the comprehensive knowledge of transmission of HIV-AIDS, awareness program to promote safer sexual practices, Prevention programs for consistent use of
condom, Free condom distribution programs through NGOs/ health workers/ volunteers to cover the target population etc. A module on HIV-AIDS and high risk
sexual behavior to be developed by the Government in consultation with concerned NGOs & INGOs and implements that module through them to enhance knowledge
and practices of high risk behavior groups.
Description
DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY
IN
PUBLIC HEALTH
By
BIRENDRA KUMAR SINGH
ID.NO.11PHPHLT104
2017
Department of Public Health
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