Female domestic workers' knowledge, attitude and practices (KAP) on HIV/AIDS

[摘要] ENGLISH ABSTRACT: HIV/AIDS poses major health challenge to the global population and continues to be a prominent killer disease despite the fact that ongoing attempts are being made to find a cure for the epidemic. Namibia is one of the most affected countries in the world, and has been very open about this disastrous malady. Although the country has put education programs in place to try and prevent the spread of HIV, a lot remains to be done.The present study aimed to assess knowledge, attitudes and behaviour/practices regarding HIV/AIDS of domestic workers in the Hochland Park suburb of Windhoek. The purpose of the study was to determine the level of knowledge of domestic workers about HIV/AIDS prevention and evaluate certain beliefs and practices in this regard. Data was collected from a sample of 121 respondents using a structured questionnaire.The relationship between knowledge, attitude and practices was examined. The findings indicate that the knowledge levels of domestic workers are relatively high. Sources of such knowledge were mainly radio/television, relatives and friends and churches, with a smaller contribution by clinics/health care workers. In addition, the findings show that there is a positive relationship between knowledge about HIV/AIDS and educational level. However, education by itself does not guarantee behavioural change as findings in the present study indicate that does not have a strong positive correlation with behavioural change.

[发布机构] Stellenbosch University