Misconception about HIV/AIDs and stigma associated beliefs in an urban Community, Southwest Nigeria: Implication for intervention programs

2^nd International Conference on HIV/AIDS, STDs, & STIs

October 27-29, 2014 Embassy Suites Las Vegas, USA

Olugbenga-Bello Adenike I, Adebimpe, Wasiu O, Olarewaju, Sunday O and Aluko, Joel A

Scientific Tracks Abstracts: J AIDS Clin Res

Abstract :

Aim: This study assessed community awareness and perception about HIV/AIDS in Osogbo Local Government, Osun State. Materials and Methods: A cross sectional descriptive survey among 449 respondents using multi stage sampling technique. Results: Most 438 (97.6%) have heard about HIV/AIDS and 425 (94.7%) believed that it exists, 208 (46.3%) believed that it can be transmitted through kissing, and 114 (25.4%) through hugging. One hundred and eleven (24.7%) believed that it is an act of God?s punishment. About 357 (79.5%) believed that PLHIV can still live a normal life, 140 (31.2%) believed infected individuals should not get married, 67 (14.9%) refused to keep friendship with infected individuals, 76 (16.9%) said they cannot employ infected individual while 333 (74.2%) believed infected individuals should be secluded from the society. A large proportion 209 (46.5%) were yet to do HIV test. A significant association was found between occupation of the respondents and their perception about PLHIV (p=0.000) and also between the educational status of the respondents and their perception (p=0.001). High educational status is predictors of having knowledge of symptoms of HIV/AIDs Conclusion: There are misconceptions about HIV transmission and treatment among respondents. Health education through health talks and mass media exposure is thus advocated.

Biography :

Olugbenga-Bello Adenike I is currently a senior Lecturer at Ladoke Akintola University of Technology. She holds various positions like Peer-Reviewer for the Ethical Committee of the Lautech Teaching Hospital, Osogbo, Osun State Member, Medical Advisory Committee, LTH, Ogbomoso, Coordinating Consultant, Kantagua PHC, Ogbomoso South Local Government Area, Oyo State, Coordinating Consultant, Jabata Rural Health Center, Surulere, Local Government Area, Ogbomoso, Oyo State, Coordinating Consultant, Kajola Comprehensive Health Center, Ogbomoso South Local Government Area, Oyo State, Member, Ethical Committee, LAUTECH Teaching Hospital Ogbomoso, Oyo State. She has completed her Master in Public Health (MPH) in the year 2010.