Project Materials

MALE ADOLESCENTS’ KNOWLEDGE, PERCEPTIONS AND ATTITUDES TOWARDS HIV AIDS PREVENTION

ABSTRACT

The purpose of this study was to explore male adolescents’ knowledge, views, and attitudes regarding HIV/AIDS in order to implement effective HIV/AIDS prevention measures in the Elembelle community. The study used a qualitative research approach to address HIV/AIDS prevention among male adolescents. Six male teenagers from six different communities in the Ellembele District made up the study sample. The subjects’ ages range from 15 to 19 years. The data was collected using a convenience sample strategy. One of the researchers collected data using semi-structured questions. The study’s findings clearly show that while general HIV/AIDS knowledge is high, behavioural change is minimal, with youngsters continuing to engage in risky behaviours. The adolescents regard the disease as a threat to society, and they are well aware of the transmission pathways and preventative strategies, but the virus continues to spread among them. Various policymakers and implementers should shift their attention from boosting awareness to behavioural modification, as this is the only method to combat the spread of AIDS. Government, opinion leaders, and religious organisations should demonstrate even greater commitment to minimising HIV spread in the district.

Chapter one

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the Study.

Since the first recorded case of HIV/AIDS in 1981, the disease has had a devastating impact on all aspects of our society, becoming the most lethal infectious disease epidemic in recent history. The sickness is viewed as a threat to the stability of entire nations and regions, particularly among the most productive members of society. HIV/AIDS has become a global epidemic, but it is most prevalent in developing nations, notably Sub-Saharan Africa.

The disease has expanded to pandemic proportions across most of Africa (Agyei-Mensah, 2001). The number of people infected with HIV is steadily increasing, particularly among young people. In 2007, there were an estimated 33.3 million people living with HIV worldwide.

The African continent alone had 22.5 million of the estimated 33.3 million persons living with HIV/AIDS (UNSAID/WHO 2007). According to UNAIDS estimates, young people under the age of 25 accounted for over 45% of all new HIV cases (nearly 6800 people become infected with HIV each day) in adults in 2007.

The illness continues to plague Sub-Saharan Africa, making it the continent’s most critical infectious disease threat. HIV/AIDS is the major cause of death in Sub-Saharan Africa (Tanaka, Kunii, Hatano, and Wakai 2007).

True, HIV/AIDS continues to grow among the population of Ghana’s outlying rural villages, wreaking havoc on the 15-49-year-old age group, which is the country’s most productive sector. Elembelle is a rural town in Ghana’s Western Region that has seen an upsurge in HIV/AIDS cases.

The district has one of the highest HIV/AIDS rates in Ghana. In 2006, the prevalence rate was 15.5%, which was much higher than the national average of 3.2 that year.

It is important to note that these were reported cases at hospitals and so do not represent the true magnitude of the problem. The high HIV/AIDS prevalence is due to a multitude of causes, including a large influx of migrant fishermen, mining workers, stranded travellers at the border, and farm labourers. (Nzema East Municipality, 2006).

Donor agencies and the government have worked hard to reduce the HIV/AIDS epidemic, yet the prevalence rate in Ellembele District has not decreased significantly. The crucial question here is: what may have caused this?

The prevalence in the 15-19 year age range is increasing, despite efforts to curb the spread. Male adolescents are vulnerable and can be led into high-risk behaviours by cultural norms around alcohol use, multiple partners, and other elements of social behaviour (Ministry of Health 2001, 37).

The gap in male-female ratios regarding the transmission of HIV/AIDS in Ghana used to be considerable, but current statistics suggest it is now near to balance (Ghana Health Service, 2004). Despite this, little is known about the involvement of male adolescents in contracting and disseminating the virus.

The purpose of this study was to explore male adolescents’ knowledge, views, and attitudes regarding HIV/AIDS in order to implement effective HIV/AIDS prevention measures in the Elembelle community.

The outcomes of this study can contribute to the current body of knowledge on HIV/AIDS in Ellembele District and Ghana as a whole.

The study’s findings will assist policymakers and healthcare professionals in developing adolescent-centered, comprehensive, and intensive interventions to reduce the spread of HIV in the area.

1.2 Goals and Objectives of the Study

The purpose of this study was to explore male adolescents’ knowledge, views, and attitudes regarding HIV/AIDS in order to implement effective HIV/AIDS prevention measures in the Elembelle community.

Finally, the study aimed to give information on effective intervention techniques for preventing HIV/AIDS among male adolescents in the community.

1.3 Research Questions.

1. In relation to the theme of our research, the following research questions will be addressed:

2. What do male teenagers in the Elembelle district know about HIV/AIDS?

3. What are male teenagers’ perspectives and attitudes regarding HIV/AIDS prevention?

4. What preventive method(s) do they use?

5. Do they see any risk of contracting/developing HIV/AIDS?

1.4 Significance of the Study

This study will be extremely beneficial to other researchers who want to learn more about it, and it may also be utilised by non-researchers to expand on their own research. This study adds to our understanding and may serve as a model for future research.

1.5 Scope of Study

This study examines male adolescents’ knowledge, views, and attitudes regarding HIV/AIDS prevention.

1.6 Limitations of the study

Financial constraints: Insufficient funds tend to restrict the researcher’s efficiency in accessing relevant materials, literature, or information, as well as in data collecting (internet, questionnaire, and interview).

Time constraint: The researcher will conduct this investigation alongside other academic activities. This will reduce the amount of time spent on research.