AEGiS-11IAC: Focusing AIDS information programs in an advancing epidemic: an experience in Soroti District, rural Uganda.

11th International AIDS Conference

Vancouver, British Columbia — July 7-12, 1996

Focusing AIDS information programs in an advancing epidemic: an experience in Soroti District, rural Uganda.

Int Conf AIDS 1996 Jul 7-12; 11:486 (abstract no. Pub.D.1313)
Ssali A, Nkangabwa J, Kwamya L, Kyeyune P, King R; THETA, Kampala, Uganda.

ISSUES: As a result of war and displacement Soroti has a long history of high STD prevalence and a recent history of increasing HIV seroprevalence. In 1992 estimated HIV seroprevalence among women antenatal clinic users was 10%.

PROJECT: THETA is an indigenous non-governmental organisation working with aims of involving traditional and modern health workers in collaborative prevention of HIV/AIDS and management of AIDS-related health problems. Traditional healers are being trained and supported as community health educators. The present operational research study looked at focusing health education concerning sex/HIV/AIDS; specifically to identify sources and use of information as well as information gaps. Community members (102 in total), with different responsibilities in rural Soroti were interviewed using a semi-structured questionnaire. Respondents included community leaders, health workers, youth in and out of school, women, religious leaders and community elders.

RESULTS: Reported sources of HIV/AIDS information were: health workers 36%, NGOs 12%, community leaders 7%, media/newspapers 7%, religious leaders 3%, teachers 3% and THs 3%. Information received about transmission and prevention was quite general. Only 7% had received information on care and support of PWAs, 3% on condom use, 2% on living positively with HIV/AIDS. Regarding respondent beliefs about HIV/AIDS prevention, the largest proportion thought that one should stick to one faithful partner 68%, yet _ of the respondents reported more than one sexual partner. Only 5 of 102 (5%) respondents had ever used a condom and none of these during their last encounter. 33% said they didn't use condoms because they had; "never seen or been educated about it". Most of the attitudes towards PWAs reflected fear and anxiety e.g. "when I sit near a PWA I can get AIDS".

LESSONS LEARNED: Although general awareness of AIDS is high in this rural community, it is important to move from giving general messages to targeting small groups and individuals with specific information to help the recipients internalize it and be able to change behavior. Information should specifically focus on condom use, care and support of PWAs and living positively with AIDS.

Keywords: AEGIS, Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome, Condoms, Disease Outbreaks, Health Education, HIV Infections, HIV Seroprevalence, Sexual Partners, Counseling, Data Collection, Attitude, Uganda, Human, Female, ICA11

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