HIV/AIDS Related Risk Perception and Sexual Practices In Osu Klottey Sub-Metropolitan Area Of Accra

Abstract

An individual's knowledge of HI V transmission and accurate assessment of their own risk is key in adopting safer sexual practices. Evidence suggests prevalence of HIV I AIDS among Ghanaians has seen a steady decline over the years; however there are reports of new infection among various populations despite on-going interventions sustaining prevention education among youth and other special groups is very vital in contributing to further decline in the overall prevalence of HIV / AIDS. This study explored HIV I AIDS related risk perception and sexual practices of sero positive persons and those who did not know their status in the Osu Klottey Sub-metropolitan area. The study was exploratory and descriptive in nature and employed both qualitative and quantitative methods in data collection. Tools such as Survey questionnaires, In-depth individual interview and Focus Group Discussion guides were used. Key Informants like caregivers, health care providers as well as PLWHA's were interviewed. Key findings of the study included inconsistent use of preventive measures by sexually active respondents, both sero positive and those who did not know their status. The male and female positive persons had different perceptions about how they got infected, for instance majority of HIV positive females believed they were infected by their husbands and malevolent spirits. HIV/AIDS related risk perception was found to be higher among sero positive persons than respondents who did not know their HIV status while most positive persons and their relations believed that ART was 'cure' and could 'heal' them completely. The study also made the following recommendations among others, the need for expansion of CT services in the community while more research is conducted into the population, their specific needs, and access to needed services created especially for MSM.