AN ANALYSIS OF HIV RISK PRACTICES AMONGST WOMEN OF CHILD-BEARING AGE
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Pages: 75-90
Questionnaire: Yes
Chapters: 1 to 5
Reference and Abstract: Yes |
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Chapter one
INTRODUCTION
Background of the Study
This initiative focusses on an examination of HIV risk behaviours among Owan East women of childbearing age. Owan East L.G.A. is in the Edo North Senatorial District. The Oxford Concise Reference Dictionary of Biology defines HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) as the retrovirus that causes AIDS in humans.
It is unique to its host’s helper T cells. The membrane envelope glycoproteins that encase the virus vary greatly in amino acid sequence, making it challenging to develop an effective AIDS vaccine.
The onset of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) has caused widespread worry. It is currently considered a pandemic illness worldwide. As of December 1994, one million, twenty-three thousand and seventy-three (1,023073) cumulative AIDS cases in both adults and children had been documented, representing a 20% rise from January 1994 (WHO, 2005).
The scenario in Nigeria is consistent with the global trend. The number of HIV positive and reported cases has steadily increased since its first report in 1986. “The Dawn of Reality” is a film about the actual victims.
The fact that tens of thousands of people may be carrying the AIDS virus without exhibiting symptoms adds to the pandemic’s complexity. When the WHO’s forecast of 30 – 40 million HIV-positive people by 2000 is taken into account, the situation may become even more alarming.
A thorough examination of the cases recorded reveals that practically all segments in society are impacted (Inem et al, 2002). AIDS, therefore, has no class.
On the other hand, sexual transmission has been extensively documented as the single most important mechanism of transmission, particularly among both genders in the sexually active and economically productive age bracket of 15 to 49 years (FMHSS, 2006).
However, youths who are more sexually active are more vulnerable to the disease, as casual and multiple partner sexual behaviour is one of the key causes.
All sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are transferred through close contacts and sexual intercourse, whereas AIDS is transmitted via sexual intercourse, blood/blood product transfusion, and mother to infant (NDHS, 2007).
Because AIDS is a life-long disease that will eventually lead to death, and there is no known cure or vaccine for prevention, all attempts to contain the disease focus on education for behavioural change.
A country’s entire population must be separated and effectively targeted for AIDS education and information (Aboyeji, 2003).
Statement of the Problem
It has been shown that close contact, such as harmful sexual activities, is the greatest risk factor for HIV infection. Despite this, most people have yet to adjust their high-risk lives.
As a result, the major goal of this study is to identify HIV risk practices among women of childbearing age in Owan East Local Government Area, Edo State.
An investigation of HIV risk practices is critical because it gives early indicators and warnings of a severe population problem, which may result in diminished productivity in the country.
Because HIV/AIDS is a lifelong disease that will eventually lead to death, and there is no known cure or vaccine, all efforts to contain the disease focus on education for behavioural change.
The purpose of the study
The purpose of this study is to explore and analyse HIV risk practices among women of childbearing age in Edo State’s Owan East Local Government Area, with the goal of promoting HIV/AIDS prevention behaviours.
Significance of the Study
An analysis of HIV risk practices among women of childbearing age in Owan East Local Government Area will enable the entire population of Nigeria to be segmented and properly targeted for HIV/AIDS education and information; for raising the level of understanding on the nature and modes of HIV/AIDS; for developing the right attitudes that will assist individuals to reject biassed information/myths relating to HIV/AIDS infection; and for developing responsible decision-making behaviour.
Research Questions
To justify an examination of HIV risk practices among women of childbearing age in this local government, the following questions were posed for the study:
i. Have Owan East women of childbearing age demonstrated major HIV risk behaviours?
ii. Is there a substantial difference between Owan women of childbearing age who engage in unprotected sex and those who do not?
iii. Does degree of education influence HIV risk practices among women of childbearing age in Owan East L.G.A.?
To answer the questions above, the study examined the following hypotheses:
Ho1: Women of childbearing age in Owan East have not demonstrated significantly higher HIV risk behaviours.
Ho2: There is no statistically significant difference between Owan women of childbearing age who engage in unprotected sex and those who do not.
Ho3: Level of education had no significant impact on HIV risk behaviours in Owan East women of reproductive age.
Scope of Study (Delimitations)
Due to funding constraints and scheduling constraints, this study was limited to a sample of approximately 356 women of childbearing age from the target demographic.
Definition of Terms
1. AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome) is a human disease characterised by poor cell-mediated immunity and increased vulnerability to infections.
2. Glycoproteins: A protein containing glycogen.
3. HIV (Human Immuno-deficiency Virus) is the retrovirus that causes AIDS in humans.
4. HIV Risk Practices – Practices, behaviours, and lifestyles that increase one’s risk of contracting HIV.
5. Retrovirus – A ribonucleic acid (RNA)-containing virus that transforms its RNA into dioxiribinucleic acid (DNA) using the enzyme reverse transcriptase, allowing it to integrate into its host’s DNA.
6. STD: Sexually transmitted infections.