Effects of Behavioural Change Communication on HIV and AIDS Related High Risk Behaviour among Fishermen in Homabay And Siaya Counties, Kenya

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Date
2022
Authors
Akobi, William Kala
Oyore, John Paul
Otieno, George Ochieng
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Academia edu
Abstract
Background: Risky sexual behaviors such as sexual concurrency, sexual networks (fish for sex exchange) and unprotected sex, have been reported as the main cause of sexually transmitted diseases (STIs) /HIV infections among fisher folks. Behavioral change mechanisms as condom use and abstinence are some of interventions used in prevention HIV/AIDS spread in Kenya. Risky sexual behaviors increase risk of contracting STIs including HIV/AIDS Methods: This was a cross-sectional descriptive study involving 246 randomly selected fisher folks in Mbita- and Usenge along Lake Victoria. The survey used questionnaires to collect data among respondents. Using a sample frame in the beach management unit offices, fisherfolks were identified and invited to participate. Consent was obtained from participants Results: The mean age of respondents was 31 years old. The 72% of the participants were directly involved in fishing. Participants who had extra marital relationship though married were 56.1% in Mbita and 47% in Usenge. Respondents who took alcohol with friends were 94.1% in Mbita and 96.2% in Usenge. Respondents who indicated that they had unprotected sex under influence of alcohol were 48.3% in Mbita and 77.1% in Usenge. Those who were sexually taken advantage of while under the influence of alcohol were 23.8% in Mbita and 38.3% in Usenge while those had sexually taken advantage of under the influence of alcohol were 18.3% in Mbita and 37.8% in Usenge. Conclusions: Targeted behaviour change communication (BCC) strategies designed specifically for fisherfolks is needed to curb high incidences of risky sexual behaviours noted among the fishermen.
Description
Article
Keywords
HIV/AIDS, Fisherfolks, Risky behaviours, Alcohol consumption, HIV/AIDs
Citation
Akobi, W. K., Oyore, J. P., & Otieno, G. O. (2022). Effects of behavioural change communication on HIV and AIDS related high risk behaviour among fishermen in Homabay and Siaya Counties, Kenya. International Journal of Community Medicine and Public Health, 9(6), 2334.