Hiv/Aids Related Risk Perception And Sexual Practices In Osu Klotfey Sub-Metropolitan Area Of Accra

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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. Sus@ning

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 PL WHA's were interviewed. Key fmdings 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 amnne sem 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 ntltldtld serviccs cl't:ated especially for MSM.

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