RESUMO
This article reports the findings of a qualitative research study carried out in Kabarole district, western Uganda. Knowledge of and perceptions about HIV/AIDS and pregnancy and how both relate to one another were elucidated from eight focus-group discussions with 38 female and 32 male secondary students from four different schools. Widespread misinformation and misconceptions about contraceptives still exist as previously found in this area. There was a serious gap in knowledge and understanding of 'dual protection' against sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV/AIDS, and against pregnancy. Fertility was very highly valued, and many girls stated that they would want a child even if they were HIV-positive. Responses of girls showed that they were quite assertive in making decisions to use contraceptives. The reasons for students not being able to understand the interconnectedness of sexually transmitted diseases and pregnancy may lie in the fragmented fashion in which relevant health education is delivered through two separate programmes.
Assuntos
Adolescente , Preservativos/estatística & dados numéricos , Feminino , Grupos Focais , Infecções por HIV/psicologia , Comportamentos Relacionados com a Saúde , Educação em Saúde/métodos , Conhecimentos, Atitudes e Prática em Saúde , Humanos , Masculino , Gravidez , Complicações Infecciosas na Gravidez/psicologia , Inquéritos e Questionários , Reprodução , Educação Sexual , Comportamento Sexual , Infecções Sexualmente Transmissíveis/psicologia , UgandaRESUMO
The aim of this pilot study was to determine the differences in family-planning knowledge and compliance with programme guidelines among male and female community-based distributors (CBDs) of contraceptives in Kabarole district, Uganda. A semi-structured questionnaire was used for interviewing 70 CBDs. Results of interviews showed that the knowledge and compliance scores were not significantly associated with gender and age. The female clients of male CBDs were more likely to discuss family planning with their partners, and the female CBDs included other health topics more in their family-planning counselling. Both male and female CBDs had equal knowledge about family planning and equally complied with the established programme protocols. The male CBDs enhanced communication about family planning between spouses. If this could be confirmed, gender should be considered in the recruitment of new CBDs. The results suggest that male CBDs may have a unique role in promoting family planning effectively and in enhancing communication between spouses about family planning.