A Survey on the Perceived Socio-Cultural Risk Factors Influencing the Spread of HIV/AIDS in the Rural Communities of Benue State, Nigeria.

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate the perceived socio-cultural risk factors influencing the spread of HIV/AIDS in the rural areas of Benue State, Nigeria. The general objective was to identify the social factors affecting the spread of HIV/AIDS in the rural areas. The study was hinged on AIDS Risk Reduction Model (ARRM).In furtherance of this, a survey research approach using cluster and purposive sampling techniques were employed between June and December 2015. Two hundred and twenty five (225) respondents were purposively sampled at random from rural communities to respond to a structured questionnaire which contains both open and close ended questions. The findings showed that 54% of the respondents were female and 46% males. On how they view HIV/AIDS, findings showed that 76.4% viewed it as been fearful and dangerous disease. A significant 89% claimed they were not aware of their HIV status. On how it can be transmitted, 98.6% were of the view that, it is through sexual intercourse. The traditional practices influencing the spread of HIV/AIDS in the study area include; polygamy/widow inheritance, scarification /tattooing, circumcision/female genital mutilation and dry sex /vaginal douching. Majority of the respondents (80%) believed that, alcohol and drug usage were the major social factors influencing the spread. Among the respondents, 43% and 53% were of the view that violence against women and poverty amongst women respectively were the cause of the high HIV/AIDS prevalence amongst women. A significant 95% of respondents agreed that stigmatization of HIV patients was the main reason why HIV-infected individuals do not freely or openly discuss their status. Most respondents (89%) perceived the impact of HIV/AIDS as increasing individual and family expenses. On prevention of HIV transmission, 44.8% advocated for protected sex/uses of condom. The study recommends that the rural populace should be enlightened on the different means of HIV transmission and how to avoid contracting the disease. There should be access to HIV testing facilities and the rural women should also be economically empowered to avoid exposure as a result of poverty.