Universal Journal of Public Health Vol. 4(1), pp. 23 - 30
DOI: 10.13189/ujph.2016.040104
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HIV/AIDS Related Knowledge and Attitudes in Navakholo Community, Kenya

Mukhwana Eugine Sundays ^1,*, Ayuku D O ², Baliddawa J ^2
1 Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology, Kenya
² Department of Behavioural Science, Moi University, School of Medicine, Kenya

ABSTRACT

The purpose of this study was to assess levels of knowledge on HIV/AIDS, attitudes towards PLWHAs and programs to prevent HIV infection of community members of Navakholo in Western Kenya. This was a cross-sectional study that used quantitative data collection methods. Three hundred and eighty four (384) Household Heads randomly selected from the study area were interviewed using a questionnaire. Data obtained was analyzed using SPSS computer software program Version 18. ANOVA was used to check for probable differences between core variables of HIV/AIDS knowledge, attitude, and perceptions against gender, education and age. Study findings revealed that the level of knowledge was high (92% of the respondents had high levels of knowledge, although some gaps in knowledge and misconceptions about HIV infection and AIDS were also evident). Attitudes towards PLWHAs and programs to prevent HIV infection were varied with 34% of the respondents displaying stigmatizing attitudes. The study concluded that gaps in knowledge, misconceptions about modes of HIV transmission as well as negative attitudes are an impediment to the community's efforts to control the spread of AIDS. The study recommends intensive HIV/AIDS education to members of the community to fill the gaps in knowledge and to correct the misconceptions noted. The education should be tailored to help improve on attitudes towards PLWHAs and programs to prevent HIV infection.

KEYWORDS
HIV/AIDS, Knowledge, Attitudes and Community

Cite This Paper in IEEE or APA Citation Styles
(a). IEEE Format:
[1] Mukhwana Eugine Sundays , Ayuku D O , Baliddawa J , "HIV/AIDS Related Knowledge and Attitudes in Navakholo Community, Kenya," Universal Journal of Public Health, Vol. 4, No. 1, pp. 23 - 30, 2016. DOI: 10.13189/ujph.2016.040104.

(b). APA Format:
Mukhwana Eugine Sundays , Ayuku D O , Baliddawa J (2016). HIV/AIDS Related Knowledge and Attitudes in Navakholo Community, Kenya. Universal Journal of Public Health, 4(1), 23 - 30. DOI: 10.13189/ujph.2016.040104.