Hiv And Aids Knowledge, Attitude, Practice And Its Effects On Performance Of Ministry Of Livestock Development Staff In Nairobi Kenya

ABSTRACT

The HIV and AIDS pandemic is one of the greatest challenges facing humanity in the 21st century. Cure continues to elude researchers and infection leads to death. Since the first case of HIV infection was diagnosed, it is estimated that 33.0 million people today are living with the virus globally. Over twenty five (25) million have already died worldwide and more than 2.5 million people became infected with the virus in 2007. Current estimates indicate that 73 thousand Kenyans died due to AIDS related illnesses in 2007 alone. Most of the studies conducted on HIV and AIDS indicate a strong correlation between HIV/AIDS and labour productivity. Organizations with high HIV and AIDS prevalence tend to have reduced labour productivity while those infected lack motivation to work since most of them live in fear of death while many others remain absent from work for days hence reducing their output. HIV and AIDS is a major hindrance to socio-economic development. Livestock production is a major contributor to Kenya’s economy. It currently contributes 42% of agricultural Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Since an assessment on the knowledge, attitude, practice and effect of HIV and AIDS in the Ministry of livestock Development Staff has not been carried out, the current study aimed to establish the level of knowledge, attitude and practice and effects of HIV and AIDS on the Ministry of Livestock Development staff. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted with a sample population comprising of 106 male and 156 female therefore N=262. Stratified random sampling was used to select respondents for the interview and participation in the proposed study. Data was collected using structured interview schedule and key informant interviews. Data was analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Science, (SPSS) version 11.5. Descriptive statistics was used to describe, organize and summarize collected data. Correlation analysis was used to assess the strength of relationship between variables while chi-square test was used to test the strength and significance of association between variables. The study finding revealed several significant factors to be associated with knowledge, attitude and practice and effects on the Ministry of Livestock Development Staff on HIV and AIDS. These included frequency of movement outside the office and the frequency of attending funeral and burial services in the last three months prior to this study (x 2 =19.119, df=4, p=0.001). The findings highlighted absenteeism and death due to HIV and AIDS related illnesses as the major factors affecting staff performance. The Ministry of Livestock Development should therefore integrate HIV and AIDS sensitization workshops into divisional/departmental or district level work plans. This should be accompanied by follow-up activities like workshops and seminars to build on the skills and information imparted. This would reduce the impact of HIV and AIDS on Ministry of Livestock Development staff.