Main Article Content
Sub-urban residents’ perceptions and utilization of ABC methods of HIV and aids prevention in Ghana
Abstract
The study investigated Suburban residents’ perceptions and utilization or
practice of the ABC methods of HIV prevention in Ghana. Variations in the
attitude of Suburban residents towards the ABC methods based on their
developmental stages were also examined. Participants comprised 170 males and 170 females (N = 340) randomly selected from five sub-urban settlements around the University of Cape Coast, Ghana through stratified disproportional random (quota) sampling. A survey instrument with Cronbach Alpha reliability coefficient of á = .82 was used for data collection. Data were analysed with binomial test of proportions, averages, One-Way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and the post- Hoc test using SPSS 11.0 version. Results revealed that while Sub-urban residents have a nebulous perception on the effectiveness of abstinence as a method of HIV prevention, they have a negative perception on condom use and a positive perception on faithfulness to one’s sexual partner. Differences were observed in the practice of the ABC methods based on Sub-urban residents’ developmental levels. Faithfulness to one’s sexual partner was reported to be the most frequently used method. Recommendations
for practice including the need for HIV prevention advocates to vigorously
promote the use of condoms are discussed.
practice of the ABC methods of HIV prevention in Ghana. Variations in the
attitude of Suburban residents towards the ABC methods based on their
developmental stages were also examined. Participants comprised 170 males and 170 females (N = 340) randomly selected from five sub-urban settlements around the University of Cape Coast, Ghana through stratified disproportional random (quota) sampling. A survey instrument with Cronbach Alpha reliability coefficient of á = .82 was used for data collection. Data were analysed with binomial test of proportions, averages, One-Way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and the post- Hoc test using SPSS 11.0 version. Results revealed that while Sub-urban residents have a nebulous perception on the effectiveness of abstinence as a method of HIV prevention, they have a negative perception on condom use and a positive perception on faithfulness to one’s sexual partner. Differences were observed in the practice of the ABC methods based on Sub-urban residents’ developmental levels. Faithfulness to one’s sexual partner was reported to be the most frequently used method. Recommendations
for practice including the need for HIV prevention advocates to vigorously
promote the use of condoms are discussed.
