RESUMO
Background: Commercial motorcyclists in Nigeria are usually males within the reproductive age group and at risk of HIV/AIDS due to sub-optimal information on the cause and prevention as well as defective perception on HIV/AIDs, hence the need for continuous health education among this occupational group. Objective: To determine the effect of health education on knowledge, perception and risky sexual practices on HIV/AIDS among commercial motorcyclist in Osogbo, Osun state. Methods: A cross sectional descriptive survey with an intervention component was conducted in three stages between November, 2007 and June, 2008. One hundred and fifty respondents from both study and control groups were selected using a multi-stage sampling technique and interviewed with a pre-tested semi-structured questionnaire. The post-intervention stage was done 6 months later. Results: At post-intervention, study group (i.e. intervention group) exhibited a greater knowledge on correct methods of prevention and transmission of HIV/AIDS (P<0.05). Similarly, there was significant improvement in their attitudes towards people living with HIV/AIDS among respondents in the study group (P<0.05). In addition, the number of respondents having multi-sexual partners decreased from 24.7% pre-intervention to 14.2% six months post intervention.(P=0.01). Conclusions: This study has shown that health education can be effective in bridging the knowledge gap of HIV/AIDS among commercial motorcyclists. It is therefore recommended that continuous health education programmes on HIV/AIDS by relevant stakeholders be established for this category of occupation.
RESUMO
Background: There has been global concern regarding HIV/AIDS epidemic particularly in developing countries. The magnitude of the epidemic result not only in the loss of human life but enormous financial burden to health care system and loss of productivity to the country. It has created unparalleled social and medical challenge. Aims & Objective: This study assesses the knowledge, attitude and risky sexual practices on HIV/AIDS among commercial motorcyclist in Osogbo, Osun States. Material and Methods: A cross- sectional survey of two local government areas in Osogbo town, Osun States, Nigeria was conducted in November, 2007. Study participants were selected using multi-stage sampling technique. A total of 298 participants were surveyed using a semi-structured, pre-tested interviewer administered questionnaire over a two weeks period. Data entry and analysis were carried out using SPSS version 11. Results: Over 90% of the participants were aware of HIV/AIDS and a larger proportion (94%) believed in its existence, while comprehensive knowledge on its causative agent, mode of prevention and transmission are inadequate. Many of the respondents have poor attitudes towards people living with HIV/AIDS (61.7%). High-risk behaviours that can predispose to HIV/AIDS are still predominant as 52.5% takes alcohol, 18.0 % smokes and 55.0% indulge in extramarital affairs. Conclusion: The findings in this study showed a high level of general awareness about the existence of HIV/AIDS but comprehensive knowledge remains low. Many of the respondents have poor attitudes towards People Living With Aids and also engage in high-risky behaviours that can predispose to HIV/AIDs. There is need for multi-pronged approach in the dissemination of information on the prevention and control of HIV/AIDs.