PHD-Department of Public Health

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Browsing PHD-Department of Public Health by Author "Karama, Mohamed"

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    Determinants of socio-cultural risks factors in HIV infections among the muslim community in Kenya
    (2011-08-11) Karama, Mohamed; Orago, A. S.; Moji, Kazuhiko
    HIV and AIDS continue to devastate many areas of the world. Africa and especially Sub Saharan Africa remains the epicenter for the pandemic. In Kenya despite declining prevalence, the incidence remain high. This is as a result of among others risk taking behaviours and resistance to change. Muslims form 25 to 30% of the population of Kenya and despite the low prevalence among them, little is known about their socio-cultural risk factors in relation to HIV infection. The aim of this study was therefore to determine the knowledge and perception of the Muslim on HIV and AIDS, to identify risk practices among them. This was a cross sectional study where both qualitative and quantitative data collection methods were used countrywide and during two national Muslim leaders consultative workshops and other workshops at the district levels. Focus group discussions, in-depth interviews with key informants and administration of a questionnaires for quantitative data on knowledge and attitude was undertaken. Data analysis included running frequencies for percentages and the use of chi-square to determine the difference in risk perceptions between males and females. There are about 2300 mosques 4800 madrassas (Muslim schools), 99 secular schools, 20 Muslim managed health facilities and about 1000 community organizations. There is an extensive Islamic teaching that can be useful in addressing HIV related problems. Knowledge levels measured as percentages of the community who got the right answers ranged between 38% to 97% with women being less informed but the difference is not significant (p=<0.06). Knowledge levels were superficial with less details on prevention and management of HIV. National average for perceived prevalence was 2.6% with Northern Kenya being lowest at less than 1 % and Nyanza being highest at average of 5.5% an indicator of recognition of HIV as problem for all Kenyans. Risk priorities varied between regions with the coast identifying tourism related risk and the Northern region identifying cultural practices including polygamy divorce and female circumcision as a possible risk practices. In Northern Kenya and the Coast, divorce rates and polygamous marriages were estimated to range between 15 and 30% and 10 to 30% respectively. The transport industry especially long distance truck drivers a preference for Muslim businessmen, taxis, and other public transport are of general concern countrywide. There was significant difference in the perception of risk between men and women (p =<0.001). There is need for more coordinated involvement of Muslims and the mainstreaming of HIV control and prevention within the physical and social infrastructure and the Islamic teachings. More research should be undertaken to better understand the implications of the risk practices in the spread of HIV in the Muslim community in Kenya. The results of this study helped in the development of a Muslim policy on HIV in Kenya