knowledge, attitudes and practices of housegirls on hiv/stds transmission and risk factors.

NLM AIDSLINE Knowledge, attitudes and practices of housegirls on HIV/STDs transmission and risk factors. Mwambu W; Upendo AIDS Information & Counselling Centre, Dar Es Salaam,;
December 30, 1998

Int Conf AIDS. 1998;12:1018-9 (abstract no. 60103). Unique Identifier : BACKGROUND: Housegirls in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania are not yet categorized as high risky group. These unnoticed young women are vulnerable and prone to HIV/STDs infection. Due to serious violation of rights of the girl-child, which is probably the closest form of slavery, hundreds of thousands of young girls aged 14-20 years are made to work all day, washing, cooking, cleaning, doing child-care and other tasks, usually only in return for food, lodging and a small salary. All these contribute to subjecting them to sexual abuse by employers, adults within the household or neighbours. After the findings of a cross-sectional case control study on risk factors of HIV/STDs among housegirls, a preventive IEC/BCC intervention is carried out to create awareness and empowerment to reduce further spread of HIV/STDs infection. House to house visits and contacts followed by HIV/STDs educational video shows to households is being done. These shows are accompanied by distribution of HLMs-posters, leaflets, newsletters and condoms. Peer educators start from what the group knows building up and summarizing with questions, answers and discussions. In twelve months a target group of 2500 people have been reached. Quick Assessment of the intervention revealed that 98% have indicated learning more effectively about HIV/STDs transmission. 75% indicated desire to change behaviour towards a positive attitude. 50% acknowledged empowerment to negotiate safer sex with their regular boyfriends, partner notification, counselling and voluntary screening. An increased number of people dropping in for condoms (60%), HLMs (80%), request for video shows (75%) is an evident indicator of positive outcome of the intervention. 6% are now regular clients while 0.16% (4 housegirls) have tested HIV+ as a result of earlier indicated reasons. One male adult of a household from 0.16% above tested HIV+. However, 20% (17% women/3% male) employers are registering the concept of openness and transparency, employer-housegirls relationship for easy and positive interraction necessary for preventive measures to reduce the spread of HIV/STDs infection. EVALUATION INDICATES THAT: HIV/STDs IEC is easily welcomed and more understood by visual aids complimenting to hearing and reading especially to illiterate or semi-illiterate such as housegirls. Shyness and stigma is also minimized. A continued intervention is planned. MEETING ABSTRACTS Adolescence Adult Developing Countries Dominance-Subordination Female Follow-Up Studies Gender Identity Health Education Human HIV Infections/PREVENTION & CONTROL/TRANSMISSION Male Occupational Diseases/ETIOLOGY/PREVENTION & CONTROL Sexually Transmitted Diseases/*PREVENTION & CONTROL/TRANSMISSION Treatment Outcome

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Information in this article was accurate in December 30, 1998. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date. This material is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between you and your doctor. Always discuss treatment options with a doctor who specializes in treating HIV.