HIV-1 seroprevalence and risk perception in a rural areas of SW Uganda

The objective was to determine HIV-1 seroprevalence and individual subjects' assessment of their risk of HIV infection in a rural area of SW Uganda. In preparation for a trial to assess ways of reducing HIV-1 infection in a rural Ugandan population; a serum sample was collected from; and a KABP questionnaire administered to all consenting adults in selected villages.Results: Data were available for 2108 adults from three administrative parishes. Age and sex standardised HIV-1 seroprevalence results ranged from 7to 11. In females highest rates were in those aged 25-34 years (20) and in males in those aged 25 - 44 years(1). The percentage of those who considered themselves at risk of HIV-1 infection was similar between males and females and higher in seropositive (65) than seronegatives (51); 12said they did not know. Of the 1108 considering themeslves at risk 51cited their partners behavior; 14(21males;9females) referred only to their own behavior; and 3gave both reasons; 21mentioned other transmission routes and these included insects (2) and sharing sharp items (4). For the 680 considering themselves not at risk the commonest reasons given were sexual abstinance (51( and avoidance of risky sexual behaviour (21); only 2said they used condoms. In this rural population; with an adult HIV-1 seroprevalence of about 10; half of the people consider themselves at risk of infection. Few of them (more males than females) consider their own behaviour of partners. These findings have important implications for HIV/AIDS control programmes

Building Community Capacity to Cope with Adversity: The Role of Traditional Support Networks

"Introduction: In parts of Uganda the Impact of the AIDS epidemic is overwelming. Traditional community support networks have; however; been weakened due to the past economic and political turmoil; aid agencies are increasingly involved in providing ""emergency aid"". Objective: To examine how best external aid can contribute to the building of a self-sustainable community developmental activities in approximately 50 villages using a community based approach. The role of the unit is limited to facilitating the developmental process by providing expertise and advice to communities on how to harness available resources for development. Methods: The MRPA community support and counseling unit was set up in 1990 and carries out health; counselling; educational and developmental activities in approximately 50 villages using a community based approach. The role of the unit is limited to facilitating the developmental processes by providing expertise and advice to communities on how to harness available resources for development. Results: In two years more than 30 village committees were established to provide support for community health work. Volunteer community health workers and birth attendants carry out community health activities. The number of active women's groups in the area increased from nil to 13. Particularly interesting is the recent self initiated revival of a ""Munno Mu Kabi"" group (litterary: yours in need); by a group of women from 7 villages. Members meet forthnightly to discuss the problems on needy familities in their villages; in particular those with AIDS patients. These families are visted and advice is given as well as material assistance. To date the group has helped 56 families. Conclusion: Our experience indicates that external support can result in community initiatives which are suggestive for the existance of a community developmental capacity; it is rather early; however; to know if this capacity is sustainable . The revival of a traditional system suggests the external agencies aiming at community capacity development should explore the use of traditional support structures."

HIV-1 seroprevalence and risk perception in a rural areas of SW Uganda. (p.96)

The objectives was to determine HIV-1 seroprevalence and individual subjects' assessment of their risk of HIV infection in a rual area of SW Uganda. In preparation for a trial to assess ways of reducing HIV-1 infection in a rural Ugandan population; a serum sample was collected from; and a KABP questionnaire administered to all consenting adults in selected villages.Results: Data were available for 2108 adults from three administrative parishes. Age and sex standardised HIV-1 seroprevalence results ranged from 7to 11. In females highest rates were in those aged 25-34 years (20) and in males in those aged 25 - 44 years(1). The percentage of those who considered themselves at risk of HIV-1 infection was similar between males and females and higher in seropositive (65) than seronegatives (51); 12said they did not know. Of the 1108 considering themeslves at risk 51cited their partners behavior; 14(21males;9females) referred only to their own behavior; and 3gave both reasons; 21mentioned other transmission routes and these included insects (2) and sharing sharp items (4). For the 680 considering themselves not at risk the commonest reasons given were sexual abstinance (51( and avoidance of risky sexual behaviour (21); only 2said they used condoms. In this rural population; with an adult HIV-1 seroprevalence of about 10; half of the people consider themselves at risk of infection. Few of them more males than females) consider their own behaviour of partners. These findings have important implications for HIV/AIDS control programmes

HIV-1 sereoprevalence and risk perception in a rural area of SW Uganda

The objective was determine the HIV-1 Seroprevalence and individual subjects assessment of their risk of HIV infection in a rural areas of SW Uganda. In preparation for a trial to assess ways of reducing HIV-1 infection in a rural Ugandan population; a serum sample was collected from; and a KABP questionnaire administered to; all consenting adults in selected villages. Data were available for 2108 adults from three administrative parishes. Age and sex standardised HIV-1 seroprevalence results ranged from 7to 11. In females highest rates were in those aged 25-34 years (20) and in males in those aged 24-44 years (1). The percentage of those who considered themselves at risk of HIV-1 infection was similar between males and females and higher in seropositives (65) thean seronegatives (51); 12said they did not know. Of the 1108 considering themselves at risk 51cited only their partner's behaviour; 14(21males; 9females) referred only to their own behaviour; and as 3gave both reasons; 21mentioned other transmission routes and these included insects (2) and sharing sharp items (4). For the 680 considering themselves not at risdk the commonset reasons given were sexual abstinence (51) and avoidance of risky sexual behaviour (21); only 2said they used condoms. Conclusions: In this rural population; with an adult HIV-1 seroprevalence of about 10; half of the people consider themselves ar risk of infection. Few of them (more males than females) consider their own behaviour a possible reason for this. Risk is more often attributed to the behaviour of partners. These findings have important implications for HIV/AIDS control programmes