Effects of behavioural change communication on HIV and AIDS related high risk behaviour among fishermen in Homabay and Siaya Counties, Kenya

Authors

  • William Kala Akobi Department of Community Health and Epidemiology, School of Public and Applied Human Sciences, Kenyatta University, Kenya
  • John Paul Oyore Department of Community Health and Epidemiology, School of Public and Applied Human Sciences, Kenyatta University, Kenya
  • George Ochieng Otieno Department of Health Management and Informatics, Kenyatta University, Kenya

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18203/2394-6040.ijcmph20221503

Keywords:

HIV/AIDS, Fisherfolks, Risky behaviours, Alcohol consumption and HIV/AIDs

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.

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Published

2022-05-27

How to Cite

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), 2334–2340. https://doi.org/10.18203/2394-6040.ijcmph20221503

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Original Research Articles