Department of Community Medicine, LAUTECH Teaching Hospital, Ogbomoso Misconceptions about HIV/AIDs and stigma associated beliefs in an urban Community, Southwest, Nigeria: Implication for intervention programs Dr. Olugbenga-Bello A.I Department of Community Medicine, LAUTECH Teaching Hospital, Ogbomoso

Outline Introduction Materials and method Result and discussion Conclusion

Background information Nigeria’s HIV prevalence is estimated at 4.1% Prevalence varies by states and local government areas. Lowest in South West (2.0%) and highest in the South-South (7.0%). Highest in the age group 25-29 years (5.6%) and lowest in the 40-44 years age group (2.9%) -NAARHS, 2011 Survey.

Statement of problem One major barrier to reaching those who are infected with HIV/AIDS is stigma and discrimination This has led to low uptake of HCT as well as late presentation in ART clinic consequently, This has led to loss of income/livelihood, loss of marriage & childbearing options , loss of hope & feelings of worthlessness as well as loss of reputation in the society. In addition, over burdening the limited health care resources as well as family resources , causing a rebound poverty.

Justification for the study This study will assists evidence based behavioral Change Communication interventions regarding HIV/AIDs control.

General Objectives To identify misconceptions about HIV/AIDs and stigma associated beliefs in an urban Community, in Southwest, Nigeria

Specific Objectives To describe socio-demographic characteristics of respondents To determine respondent awareness and knowledge on HIV/AIDs. To assess the perception of the respondents about HIV/AIDs

Methodology

Methodology Study Area: Osogbo metropolis in Nigeria Study design: Cross sectional descriptive survey Study population: Adult men and women in Osogbo Local Government Area of Osun state within the age group of 18-65 years of age Sampling technique : Multi stage sampling technique

Methodology Data collection: Pretested semi structured interviewer administered questionnaire seeking information on socio-demographic data, awareness and knowledge on HIV/AIDs as well as perception on HIV/AIDs. Ethical consideration: Approval sought from ethical committee, LAUECH Teaching Hospital, Osogbo. Data management: Done using SPSS version 17, Relevant frequency distributions and summary measures were done appropriately. Chi-square was used to test for association between discrete variable

Study limitations Respondents in our study were based in South Western Nigeria with one major ethnic group. Thus the findings may not generalise to other parts of Nigeria or beyond

Result

Table 1: SOCIO-DEMOGRAPHIC CHARATERISTICS

TABLE 2: Awareness and knowledge of respondent of HIV/AIDS

Table 3: Perception of the respondents about HIV/AIDS N=449 VARIABLES FREQUENCY(PERCENTAGE) YES NO NOT SURE Perception about HIV/AIDS HIVAIDS is an act of God’s punishment 111(24.7%) 245(54.6%) 68(15.1%) Child can get HIV/AIDS by circumcision 381(84.9%) 17(3.8%) 35(7.8%) Sex Education help prevent HIV/AIDS 397(88.4%) 32(7.1%) 20(4.5%) The awareness about HIV/AIDS enough 128(29.6%) 267(59.5%) 53(10.9%) The use of condom prevent HIV/AIDS 290(64.6%) 80(17.8%) 79(17.6%) Abstinence is the best means of prevention 310(69%) 70(15.6%) 69(15.4%) Done HIV testing before 240(53.5%) 209(46.5%) 0 (0%)

TABLE 4: Perception about PLWHA PLHIV are promiscuous 130(29%) 172(38.3%) 147(32.7%) PLHIV can still live a normal life 357(79.5%) 57(12.7%) 35(7.8%) You can live with PLHIV 380(84.6%) 40(8.9%) 29(6.5%) Suicide is the best option for PLHIV 50(11.1%) 370(82.4%) You can keep friendship with PLHIV 340(75.7%) 67(14.9%) 42(9.4%) You can employ PLHIV 315(70.2%) 76 (16.9%) 52(11.6%) You can allow PLHIV to treat you 162(36.1%) 215(47.9%) 72(16.0%) PLHIV can get married 245(54.6%) 140(31.2%) 64(14.2%) PLHIV should be secluded from society 74(16.5%) 333(74.2%) 42(9.3%)

TABLE 5: Bi and multivariate analysis involving some socio – demographic data and perception towards PLHIV

Non -Professional occupation (constant=professionals group) Table 6: Regression of education, occupation and some selected knowledge and perception variables Non -Professional occupation (constant=professionals group) Tertiary education (constant= uneducated) Know any symptoms of HIV/AIDS OR=0.6587, 95%CI=0.5010-0.8660, p=0.012 OR= 1.8544, 95%CI=1.3804-2.4910, p=0.013 Agreed that the use of condom prevent HIV/AIDS OR=0.3056, 95%CI=0.2244-0.4164, p=0.001 OR=0.9606, 95%CI=0.6185-1.1947, p=0.6105 Have done HIV testing before OR=0.9649, 95%CI=0.7424-1.2540, p=0.7360 OR=2.7164, 95%CI=2.0438-3.6102, p=0.2024 Said that PLHIV should be secluded from society OR=4.9859, 95%CI=3.6471-6.8161, p=0.119 OR=0.6648, 95%CI=3.3670-5.1516, p=0.4971

Discussion High level of awareness due to mass media campaigns on HIV/AIDs globally, similar to myler et al in South- Africa,2006. Misconceptions about HIV transmission are high as significant proportions said HIV could be transmitted through kissing, hugging e.t.c Similar misconceptions was reported by Unnikrishnan et al in india. This if unchecked can serve as a barrier to uptake of HIV services.

Discussion There was significant association between education and perception towards PLHIVs This shows education is important in order to have right perspective to life and issues in the society This is similar to reports from other study in Ethiopia by lifeson et al.

Conclusion Awareness about HIV but marred with misconceptions and discriminating/ stigmatizing tendencies, which could affect response to HIV scourge prevention and control There is urgent need to increase the awareness about HIV/ AIDS, especially among the low socio economic and low educational status within the community

Thank You for Listening Questions. Comments. Discussions.