Marseille 2007
| Abstract #90 - HIV&AIDS/STD KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE, BELIEFS, AND PRACTICES OF A RURAL COMMUNITY IN THE LIMPOPO PROVINCE, SOUTH AFRICA | ||||
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Session: 6.73: Posters A (Poster) on Monday in Chaired by Authors: Presenting Author: Dr Peter Delobelle - Vrije Universiteit Brussels, Belgium |
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| Additional Authors: Mr Hans Onya, Dr Rika Decock, Prof AnneMarie Depoorter, | ||||
| Aim: This study investigated HIV&AIDS/STD knowledge, attitude, beliefs, and practices, and the use of HIV&AIDS/STD health services in a rural community of the Limpopo Province, South Africa. | ||||
| Method / Issue: The study was designed as a cross-sectional household survey. A multi-stage cluster sampling method was used for selecting a total of 1500 respondents. Data collection comprised both quantitative and qualitative techniques, including the application of an interviewer administered questionnaire and the conduct of focus group discussions. | ||||
| Results / Comments: The sample consisted of 944 female (63.2%) and 549 male (36.8%) adults and youth (M=32.1 years, SD=16.5), of whom two thirds had secondary school education (65.6%) and more than half were not employed at the time of interview (58.1%). A summated HIV&AIDS/STD knowledge scale score indicated moderately adequate knowledge (M=13.5, SD=3.5, range 0-20), although a substantial lack of knowledge was observed with regard to HIV transmission, especially PMTCT. Stigmatising attitudes towards PLWHA were low, but fear of discrimination and stigma of HIV testing and disclosure remained high. Knowledge and attitude were significantly correlated (p<0.01), positively correlated with the level of education (p<0.05), and inversely associated with age (p<0.05). HIV&AIDS were perceived as real problems in the community, and most indicated they would first consult government clinics or hospitals for advice on treatment (60.7%). Nine in ten, however, reported their household had never solicited PMTCT, VCT or ART services (90.1%). Half of the respondents believed it was unlikely they would ever get HIV&AIDS (48.8%) and perceived self-efficacy regarding HIV preventive behaviour was reported to be high (M=15.7, SD =4.4, range 0-20). Focus groups, however, indicated low condom use and lack of intended behaviour change due to socio-economic factors and cultural beliefs. | ||||
| Discussion: Members of a rural community in the Limpopo Province of South Africa show a moderately adequate knowledge with regard to HIV&AIDS, which corroborates findings of previous reports. Knowledge on HIV transmission, however, was substantially lacking. The use of healthcare services including condom use was equally observed to be low. Programs targeting rural communities in the Limpopo Province, which focus on behaviour modification, should take note of the socio-cultural dimension of the target population and include information on the availability of healthcare services. | ||||
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