Investigation into contraceptive use agaist HIV/AIDS among married child-Bearing women in Kimili division, Bungoma district: implication for counselling

Abstract

In Africa, the region hardest hit by the epidemic, HIV/AIDS is transmitted primarily through heterosexual contact. This mode of disease transmission places sexually active childbearing women at risk of contracting the disease. In fact, most women with HIV/AIDS become infected during unprotected sex, with their male partners. The study therefore carried an investigation into contraceptive use against HIV/AIDS among the child bearing married women in Kimilili Division, Bungoma District. Further, it discussed their implication for counselling. The results of the study identify high levels of AIDS-related knowledge among women in Kimilili. Unfortunately, this knowledge is yet to translate into practical and increased condom use. It is suggested that the use of rational choice models in AIDS prevention programs may not be adequate to change people's sexual behaviour, especially in societies where the prevailing cultural practices and norms encourage large families and discourage the use of contraceptives of any type. In such settings, there is need to find appropriate mechanisms that could help increase the use of all types of contraceptives. As contraceptive use increases, it is likely that the use of condoms for AIDS prevention and also family planning purpose would increase in Africa. The study took the form of a cross-sectional descriptive study where the use of open and closed ended questionnaires and interview schedules were self-administered. Key informants were also used to obtain data. The target population was the married child bearing women aged 20-34 years in Kimilili Division. Sixty women were selected using purposive and systematic sampling techniques. The key informants were sampled through snowball method. The units of analysis were conjugal unions. Descriptive data analysis was done to answer the research questions. Questionnaires were coded and the researcher used the SPSS program. Chi-square test (X˛) was employed to test the null hypothesis investigated.