Analysis of behaviors and practices related to the risk of HIV infection among poor communities in urban slum. A case study of Government Lodge Kapchorwa Municipality

Abstract

HIV epidemic has already devastated many individuals, families, and communities. The epidemic has left millions of children orphaned, has disrupted village and community life. And increasingly contributes to the erosion of civil order and economic growth and this study analyzed the behaviors and practices related to the risk of HIV infection among the youth in slum areas with a case of Government lodge, Kapchorwa municipality. This was done through examining the behaviors and practices of the youth related to HIV infection, social economic and cultural activities of the youth that expose them to risk of HIV infection, youth perception towards HIV/AIDS and preventive measures taken by the youth to avoid getting HIV infection in Government lodge. A quantitative study was carried out and the target was the youth living in Government lodge Kapchorwa. a sample of 96 respondents were selected using simple random sampling and interviewed using questionnaires and the data collected was captured and analyzed using SPSS. Univariate analysis of variables was carried out to examine each individual variable in details, frequency tables and bar graphs were being used at univariate level. At bivariate level variables were compared to establish the existence of relationships between variables, this was done using chi-square tests and cross tabulation The findings showed that the major HIV risk related behaviors among the youth in government lodge were alcoholism and having more than one sexual partner, unemployment was also a very serious issue and condom supply was inconsistent. Most of the youth in government lodge did not attain ordinary level certificate of education. This study concluded that the government should equip the youth with vocational skills to solve the problem of unemployment among the youth, the government also through organizations like reproductive health Uganda, family planning should increase the provision of HIV related information (sensitization) and supply of condoms to such places as bars and dark corridors so as to reduce unprotected sex. Government through the local leaders should encourage the youth about the importance of education so as to reduce school dropouts and unemployment.