Knowledge about HIV/AIDS and Sexual Practices among Automobile Repair Workers in Ibadan, Southwest Nigeria

Abstract

HIV/AIDS is a rapidly growing epidemic in sub-Saharan Africa. Very few studies have focussed on outdoor workers. A cross sectional survey was conducted among automobile repair workers in Ibadan, Southwest Nigeria.A structured questionnaire was administered by interviewers to collect information on knowledge of transmission and prevention of HIV/AIDS and sexual practices among automobile repair workers. Twenty five questions were designed to determine knowledge about HIV/AIDS, each with a minimum score of 0 and a maximum of 1.Eight hundred workers participated in the study. They were all male aged between 12 and 80 years, mean 29.8 years. About half of the population were single. Majority (96%) had heard of HIV/AIDS. Over 95% of respondents knew about transmission by sexual intercourse and blood transfusion. A mean knowledge score of 17.6 out of 25 was recorded. Several misconceptions such as transmission of HIV/AIDS by mosquitoes and through sharing of clothes were prevalent. Ninety-three percent had ever had sexual intercourse and 87% of singles were sexually active. Two hundred and thirtynine, (30%) had casual sex partners. Of these, only 59% used condoms during the last sexual intercourse with casual partners.In spite of a high knowledge score among this male dominated low income workers, their sexual practices are such RÉSUMÉConnaissance par rapport au VIH/SIDA et les pratiques sexuelle chez les mécaniciens à Ibadan, sud-ouest du Nigéria Le VIH/SIDA est une épidémie qui s'accroît rapidement en Afrique subsaharéenne. Il y a très peu de recherches qui ont été consacrées au travailleurs au grand air. Une enquête transversale a été menée auprès des mécaniciens à Ibadan, au sud-ouest du Nigéria. Les enquêteurs ont administré un questionnaire structuré dans le but de recueillir des renseignements sur la connaissance relative à la transmission et la prévention du VIH/SIDA et sur les pratiques sexuelles chez les mécaniciens. Vingt-cinq questions ont été préparées pour déterminer la connaissance sur le VIH/SIDA, chacun ayant une note minimum de 0 et un maximum de 1. Huit cents mécaniciens ont participé à l'étude. Ils étaient tous des mâles âgés d'entre 12 ans et 80 ans avec une moyenne de 29,8ans. A peu près une moitié de la population était célibataire. La majorité (90%) avaient jamais entendu du VIH/SIDA. Plus de 95% des enquêtés étaient au courant de le transmission à travers des rapports sexuels et la transfusion sanguine. Une note de connaissance moyenne de 17,6 sur 25 a été enrégistée. Beaucoup de mauvaises conceptions telles la transmission du VIH/SIDA par les moustiques et par le partage des vêtements étaient répandues. Quatre-vingt-trois pourcent avaient jamais eu des rapports sexuels et 87% des célibataires avaient des partenaires sexuels occasionnels. Malgré une note de connaissance parmi ces travailleurs à faible revenu dominé par les mâles, leur pratiques sexuelles sont de nature à encourager la transmission du VIH. (Rev Afr Santé Reprod 2007; 11[2]:24-32).

Knowledge and Attitude of Exclusive Breastfeeding among Hairdresser Apprentices in Ibadan, Nigeria

“…In Nigeria, several studies on knowledge and attitude towards breastfeeding have focused on mothers and women [19][20][21][22], workers in the formal sectors [23] and adolescents and students [24]. There are limited published studies on workers in the informal sectors and young women in apprenticeship; much of these scant literatures revolves around HIV, Sexual and reproductive health [25][26][27][28] leaving out other medical subjects particularly with respect to Infant and Young Child Feeding (IYCF). This category of workers in the informal sector may not have the opportunity of acquiring enough knowledge and they may be less equipped in making informed decision about health issues including IYCF methods.…”

Population Based Multicentric Survey on the Attitude and Knowledge of HIV/AIDS among Youth of the Three Senatorial Districts in Jigawa State, Nigeria

“…A study by Iliyasu et al, (2006) among 210 adults in Danbare village, northern Nigeria, shows that majority of respondents did not know the causative agent of AIDS; however, knowledge of route of disease transmission was high, with majority of study participants mentioning sexual activity and unscreened blood transfusion, as possible transmission routes. Respondents listed avoidance of premarital sex, outlawing prostitution, condom use and screening of blood before transfusion as protective measures (Omokhodion et al, 2007).…”