The Impact of knowledge and practice on HIV/AIDs prevention among leaders on the social welfare of people: a case study of Kampala central division, 2000 -2012

Abstract

The study focused on the impact of knowledge and practice on HIV/AIDS prevention management on the social welfare of the people in six parishes of Kampala Central Division. It was premised on the assumption that when leaders are knowledgeable on HIV/AIDS, they play their role effectively and thus HIV prevention improves. However, changes in sexual attitudes and behaviours and resurgence of the sex industry in Uganda have increased concerns about HIV/AIDS and sexually transmitted infections (STI) epidemics. Leaders have put little attention to the significant and growing sex industry in Uganda in general and Kampala Central Division in Particular. In view of that, the study sought to shed light on the emergent and salient roles leaders play in imparting knowledge and awakening the people they led towards the knowledge and practice of HIV/AIDS prevention and management. Kampala Central Division being the centre for business and administration in Uganda has the highest and most diverse population. The leaders in the area are more economically and politically influenced than socially concerned. They are not sufficiently skilled to handle the HIV/AIDS concerns of the diversity of the people in their area. Leaders in the area also espouse immoral behaviours, that distance them from the traditionally assumed responsibility of being role models in society. The research therefore served to highlight the fore mentioned issues and suggest solutions to them, and identify strategies that would enable leaders to actively involve themselves in HIV/AIDS prevention management. Methodology of study adopted both qualitative and quantitative approaches. Primary and secondary data was collected through the use of Interviews, documentary sources, questionnaires and Oral Informants. A questionnaire was answered by randomised respondents in six parishes in Kampala Central Division. The closed items in the questionnaire were analysed using frequency counts and percentages whereas the open ended were analysed using content analysis. The qualitative approach was adopted whereby the analysis and interpretation of the data proceeded conceptually(see appendix III & IV, references and list of oral informants). xvi It was found that Knowledge of HIV/AIDS was very high and widespread in the division. In terms of HIV prevention strategies, women and men are most aware that the chances of getting the AIDS virus can be reduced by limiting sex to one uninfected partner who has no other partners or by abstaining from sexual intercourse.HIV Counselling and Testing was identified as the most important service in HIV/AIDS prevention and care, particularly for couples. The ABC approach is particularly pertinent for young adults. It was noted that culture influences attitudes and behaviours related to HIV/AIDS. A Multi-Sectoral approach to HIV/AIDS prevention and management remains the very core implementation and, as such the Leaders serve to guide stakeholders of all kinds on deciding priority interventions in their respective areas of competency and interest. Mainstreaming gender, sexual and reproductive health rights was observed as crucial and enables strategic positioning to address the phenomena of; high discordance rates, vulnerability of women and the observed increasing new infections within marriage. Based on the overall findings hinged on the devastating effects of the HIV/AIDS pandemic, it is worth concluding that each new infection should be a concern to leaders. As the HIV/AIDS pandemic continues to rage on, there is need to utilise the knowledge, diversity of experiences and expertise of leaders to support men and women take up their responsibilities and acquire the power to protect themselves from HIV infection. Children and young adults must be formally and informally educated to get empowered with analytical qualities and acquire values of the family institution. A couple of recommendations were made. One recommendation concerned The Government which should devote its efforts to provide the necessary environment for all leaders and stakeholders at various levels to participate and contribute to the achievement of the goals of the National Strategic Plan of substantially reducing new infections especially among youth. Leaders, married couples and youths are urged to take personal responsibility to avoid risky sexual behaviours that could contribute to an upsurge in new infection and increase the burden of the epidemic. There is need to retrieve the status of moral education, with stress on promoting morality of personal responsibility and involving the youth in general. Government and civil society should train councillors and grass root leaders, to ensure communities have accurate and current information, and can ably engage in advocacy for a strong policy environment that promotes reduction of HIV/AIDS related stigma and improves implementation of HIV/AIDS prevention and management.