Socio-Cultural Factors And Increased Hiv/Aids Prevalence Rates Among Youth In Bundibugyo District A Case Study Of Nyahuka Town Council

ABSTRACT

This research was about the socio-cultural .factors that increase HIV prevalence among Youth in Nyahuka town council- in Bundibugyo District. The study had three objectives and these included; to identify and explain the perpetuating factors to HIV infection among the youth in Bundibugyo District, to explain the socio-cultural factors leading to increased HIV prevalence

among youth in Bundibugyo District, to suggest remedies to HIV infections among the youth in Nyahuka town council-Bumdibugyo district. The study employed a cross sectional design that involves qualitative and quantitative design. This study also used a study population composed of mainly 100 youth of school going age and those who have dropped out of school and a sample size of 80 respondents. It also involved other respondents that included; the local council representatives, parents, and health service providers. From the findings, the researcher discovered that HIV among the youth in Nyahuka was caused by a number of factors as given by the respondents, High levels of sexual activity in the area 25%, Idleness 15% , Ignorance 10%, Excessive freedom and leisure 25%, Limited access to health care 5%, Inadequate supply of

condoms 20%. The study also specifically inquired on the socio-cultural factors that increase the HIV prevalence rates among the youth in Nyahuka town council and the following were the

responses that indicated HIV is still a challenge in the area; Socio-cultural factors included; Night discos/club 22.5%, Marriage ceremonies 22.5%, Widow inheritance 05%, Night worship 10%,

Local drinking 27.5%, Traditional rituals! 2.5% and it was therefore concluded that HIV increase in the area was perpetuated by a number of socio-cultural factors. Besides, the respondents also suggested the remedied to the increased HIV infection an1ong the youth as follows; Sensitizing youth on safe sex and HIV prevention! 5%, Involving traditional leaders 7.5%, Increased testing and treatment 15%, Involving parents/guardians 18.8%, Campaign for youth education 12.4%, Control laws on leisure activities and drinking 17.5%, Youth skilling and vocational 13.8% .. The researcher therefore made some conclusions on the necessary recommendations. First and foremost, it became clear from the respondents that HIV is prevalent among the population ofNyahuka town council and Bundibugyo district as a whole. The reasons for the increased HIV prevalence in the area where found to be; existence of high levels of sexual activity in the area and excessive freedom and leisure activities, inadequate supply of condoms for protection.

TABLE OF CONTENT

DECLARATION ............................................................................................................. i

APPROVAL ............................................................................................................. ii

DEDICATION .............................................................................................................. iii

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT ............................................................................................................. iv

ABSTRACT ......................................................................................................... viii

CHAPTER ONE .......................................................................................................... 1

1.0 Introduction .............................................................................................................. l

1.1 Background to the Study ........................................................................................................... 1

1.2 Statement of the Problem .......................................................................................................... .4

1.3 Purpose of the Study ................................................................................................................. .4

1.4 Objectives of the Study ............................................................................................................. .4

1.4.1 The general objective of the study ......................................................................................... .4

1.4.2 Specific Objectives ................................................................................................................ .4

1.5 Research Questions .......................................................................................................... 5

1.6 Research Hypothesis .................................................................................................................. 5

1.7 Scope of the Study ........................................................................................................ 5

1.7.1 Geographical Scope ................................................................................................................ 5

1.7.2 Contextual Scope ........................................................................................................ 5

1.7.3 Time Scope ......................................................................................................... 6

1.8 Theoretical Perspective .............................................................................................................. 6

1.8.1 Social learning theory ............................................................................................................. 6

1.9 Significance of the Study ........................................................................................................... 6

CHAPTER TWO ............................................................................................................ 8

LITERATURE REVIEW ............................................................................................................. 8

2.0 Introduction .......................................................................................................... 8

2.1 HIV/AIDS Status in Africa ........................................................................................................ 8

2.2 The Contribution of socio-cultural factors to the spread ofHIV ............................................... 8

V

2.3 Community Social Practices and their Impact on HIV/ AIDS ................................................. 10

2.3.1 Alcohol and drug abuse ................... , .................................................................................... 10

2.3.2 Discos and Traditional Dances ............................................................................................. 11

2.3.3 Video shows, Films and Drama ........................................................................................... .11

2.3.4 Games and Sports ........................................................................................................ 12

2.3.6 Market days ........................................................................................................ 12

2.3.7 Worshipping ......................................................................................................... 12

2.4 Factors Perpetuating HIV infections among the Youth ........................................................... 13

2.3. I Cultural and traditional Barriers ........................................................................................... 13

2.3.2 Low uptake ofTreatment ...................................................................................................... 14

2.3.3 Poverty ............................................................................................................ 14

2.2.4 Alcoholism and drunkenness ................................................................................................ 15

2.2.5 MTCT ......................................................................................................... 15

2.2.6. Lack of adequate Education .............................................................................. : .................. 16

2.3 HIV Prevalence among the Youth ........................................................................................... 16

2.2.5 Remedies ............................................................................................................. 17

CHAPTER THREE ........................................................................................................ 18

METHODOLOGY ........................................................................................................ 18

3.0 Introduction ............................................................................................................. 18

3. I Research Design ......................................................................................................... 18

3.2 Study Population ....................................................................................................... 18

3.2.1 Sample Size .......................................................................................................... 18

3.2.2 Sampling Procedure .............................................................................................................. 19

3.3. Source of Data Collection ....................................................................................................... 19

3.3.1 Primary Data ........................................................................................................ 19

3.3.2 Secondary Data ....................................................................................................... 19

3.4 Data Collection Methods ......................................................................................................... 19

3.4.1 Observation ......................................................................................................... 19

3.4.2 Interview .......................................................................................................... 20

3.4.3 Questionnaires .......................................................................................................... 20

3.5 Data Analysis ....................................................................................................... 20

3.5.1 Editing and Checking ........................................................................................................... 20

3.5.2 Tabulation and Analysis ....................................................................................................... 20

3.6 Ethical Consideration ............................................................................................................... 21

CHAPTER FOUR ......................................................................................................... 22

DATA ANALYSIS, INTERPRETATION AND PRESENTATION OF FINDINGS ........... 22

4.0 Introduction ......................................................................................................... 22

4.1 Demographic characteristics of respondents ........................................................................... 22

4.2. General factors increasing the chances for HIV infection among the youth in Bundibugyo .24

4.3 Socio-cultural factors leading to high HIV prevalence rates an1ong the youth in Nyahuka

town council ......................................................................................................... 26

CHAPTER FIVE ......................................................................................................... 30

CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS ....................................................................... 30

5.0 Introduction ........................................................................................................... 30

5.1 Conclusions ............................................................................................................... .30

5.2 Recommendations ....................................................................................................... 31

5.3 Areas further Research ............................................................................................................ 32

REFERENCES ............................................................................................................. 33

APPENDICES ............................................................................................................. .36

QUESTIONNAIRE ........................................................................................................ .36

APPENDIX 2 .............................................................................................................. 38

AN INTERVIEW AND FGD GUIDE ......................................................................................... .38