Knowledge and Practices Towards Hiv/Aids Prevention among Women of Low Socio-Economic Status in Female Headed Households
The purpose of this descriptive study was to assess the knowledge and examine the practices towards HIV/Aids prevention of women of low socio-economic status in female-headed households, in order to identify the barriers and potential strategies to influence safer sex among women The specific objec...
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| Format: | Other |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Kamuzu University of Health Sciences
2022
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| Online Access: | http://nkhokwe.kuhes.ac.mw/handle/20.500.12845/537 |
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Add Tag | Summary: | The purpose of this descriptive study was to assess the knowledge and examine the practices towards HIV/Aids prevention of women of low socio-economic status in female-headed households, in order to identify the barriers and potential strategies to influence safer sex among women The specific objectives of the study were to determine the women s knowledge on HIV/AIDS transmission and prevention. To identify their practices towards achieving safer sex, to explore the barriers towards safer sex practices and to make recommendations to policy makers, which would benefit the majority of women, with particular attention to low income women.
The study was conducted in the townships of Limbe, Bangwe, Mpemba, Lunzu, Ndirande, Chilomoni and Zingwangwa in Blantyre City and consisted of a convenient sample of 35 women of low socio-economic status in female-headed households The data collection methods used consisted of, structured interview schedules to obtain
quantitative information on knowledge and practices and semi structured interviews for collection of some qualitative data on practices. Data was analysed and coded using the
data master sheet and the EPI (Version 6.04) statistical programme. Coding for open ended questions was done by sampling of questions where the most frequently occurring
responses, were coded by grouping similar types of responses into single categories.
The findings of the study indicated that, despite the women's high knowledge levels of
HIV/AIDS and awareness of the seriousness of AIDS, most of the women in the study
were not practicing safer sex. Lack of perceived susceptibility, powerlessness to
negotiate condom use, negative attitudes about the use of condoms, unavailability of condoms and economical status, interfered with safer sex practices. This study thus reveals an area that needs attention i.e. that apart from emphasising the level of
awareness, there should be a focus on how to effect behavioural change among a knowledgeable population.
Findings of the study have implications for nursing education, research, practice and for
policy makers, who have to enact and ensure that strategies aimed at stemming the
rampage of HIV/AIDS should benefit women of low socio-economic status. Findings of
the study will help increase the body of nursing knowledge, so that nurses can
competently impart in women accurate and appropriate information to influence behavioural change in them. |
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