The role of alcohol use in HIV transmission among Grootfontein residents – Namibia
Date
2009-03
Authors
Kumwenda, Andrew
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Stellenbosch : University of Stellenbosch
Abstract
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This research looks at the role of alcohol drinking in HIV transmission. A history of heavy alcohol drinking has been associated with a lifetime tendency toward high-risk sexual behaviors, including multiple sex partners, unprotected sexual intercourse, sex with high-risk partners, and the exchange of sex for money or drugs. The objective of the study was to investigate the role played by alcohol consumption in the promotion of high-risk sexual behavior and therefore transmission of HIV infection among sexually active moderate alcohol drinkers and abusers aged 15 – 49 years in Grootfontein district, Namibia. The study was a Knowledge, Attitude, Behaviour and Practice (KABP) survey. Data on individual knowledge about HIV/AIDS and alcohol drinking, personal attitudes towards HIV/AIDS and alcohol, beliefs about HIV/AIDS and sexual practices was collected on 217 study participants aged between 15-49 years through an interviewer-administered questionnaire and through the cluster sampling technique. The research findings showed that history of having practiced unprotected sex, having sex with total strangers, having multiple sex partners, having sex with high-risk sexual partners, low self risk perception and history of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) was high among the alcohol abusers than moderate alcohol drinkers. For instance, the prevalence of multiple partnerships was 68(48.6%) among the moderate alcohol drinkers compared to 48(66.7%) among the abusers (p-value 0.012 at 95% confidence interval, Odds ratio: 2.118). The conclusion made was that alcohol abuse is associated with multiple risky sexual behaviours in Grootfontein and hence there is need to integrate alcohol abuse in HIV prevention efforts.
Description
Thesis (M.Phil. (Industrial Psychology))--University of Stellenbosch, 2009.
Keywords
Dissertations -- Industrial psychology, Alcohol abuse, Sexually transmitted diseases, Theses -- Industrial psychology, Assignments -- Industrial psychology